New law will hold parents more liable in underage drinking parties

Posted on December 28, 2014

By Associated Press

SPRINGFIELD- Parents and guardians considering allowing their teens to host parties will be responsible for more than just the alcohol consumed in the house when the new year rolls in.

Adults can be fined up to $2,000 if they allow those under 21 to drink in vehicles, trailers, campers or boats under their ownership or control. If death occurs as a result, parents or guardians can be charged with a felony.

The legislation expands the current state law, which penalizes adults who allow underage people to drink alcohol in their homes. It was sponsored in the Senate by Deerfield Democrat Julie Morrison.
 
The legislation is one of more than 200 new laws that will go into effect Jan. 1.

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