Bill Would Reduce MIP’s To Civil Infractions

A bill lessening the penalty for a minor in possession of alcohol (MIP) is before a state Senate committee.

The legislation would change MIPs from a misdemeanor, which could carry jail time, to a civil infraction punishable by just a fine. However, a third offense would remain a misdemeanor.

Bill sponsor, Senate Republican Rick Jones of Grand Ledge, says MIP cases are filling up the courts and it’s a waste of resources.

But bill opponents say an MIP violation in Michigan was a civil infraction from 1978 to 1995 and the model didn’t work.