OLR Bill Analysis

sHB 5360

AN ACT PROHIBITING CERTAIN PERSONS FROM ALLOWING MINORS TO POSSESS ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR IN DWELLING UNITS AND ON PRIVATE PROPERTY.

SUMMARY:

Current law prohibits someone who possesses or controls private property, including a dwelling unit, from (1) knowingly permitting a minor to illegally possess alcohol in the unit or on the property or (2) failing to make reasonable efforts to stop a minor from possessing alcohol in the unit or on the property when he or she knows the minor possesses alcohol illegally. This bill adds the requirement that the person who owns or controls the property be physically present.

The bill increases the penalty for a first offense from an infraction to a fine of up to $ 500, up to one year imprisonment, or both. This is the penalty for subsequent offenses.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2012

COMMITTEE ACTION

General Law Committee

Joint Favorable Substitute Change of Reference

Judiciary Committee

Joint Favorable