AP Wire

Bill would end possible jail time for underage drinkers

by The Associated Press

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Lawmakers don't think underage drinkers should face jail time.

A bill sent to the governor's desk this week would remove the possibility that someone under the age of 21 could be jailed up to six months if caught in possession of an alcoholic beverage.

The violation would still carry a fine up to $100.

The House supported the measure by Rep. Franklin Foil, a Baton Rouge Republican, with a 99-0 vote. The Senate sent it to Gov. John Bel Edwards with a 33-1 vote.

If the governor agrees to the bill, law enforcement could continue to cite offenders, but the citation would not appear on a person's criminal history record.