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A bill to lessen the penalty for underage drinking cleared the state Senate Thursday.
It’s currently a misdemeanor for those charged with minor in possession, but the legislation would change it to a civil infraction, punishable by a $100 fine.
Subsequent offenses would remain a misdemeanor.
Senator Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge, is the bill sponsor.
He says young people should not have to carry a criminal record the rest of their lives because they had a beer.
Jones says he’s also heard from parents who say the current law is pushing their college age kids to try marijuana, because it can’t be detected on a breathalyzer test.
The legislation now heads to the House.
