Bill would replace misdemeanor charges with fine for underage drinking

Sen. Pete Micciche sponsored the bill that would remove misdemeanors from underage alcohol consumers. (File photo by Skip Gray/360 North)
Sen. Pete Micciche sponsored the bill that would remove misdemeanors from underage alcohol consumers. (Photo by Skip Gray/360 North)

Underage children caught drinking alcohol won’t rack up a permanent charge on their record under a bill that passed the legislature last week.

Imagine a high school party. All the children are underage — some are drinking. When police bust the party, they issue citations- even to children who haven’t had a drop of alcohol.

In Alaska, 75 percent of alcohol related charges are for minors consuming alcohol. That makes it the No. 1 alcohol charge statewide — affecting about 3,000 young people each year.

Sen. Peter Micciche, R-Soldotna, sponsored Senate Bill 165. He says the punishment can stay with children forever.

“What we were doing before is a misdemeanor criminal offense that went on court view and compromised not only their success throughout the rest of high school, but when it became time for scholarships or applying for a job even after coming back from the university. They essentially had a life-long record.”

According to The Justice Center at the University of Alaska Anchorage,  the majority of those charged are convicted.

Under the new bill, instead of a misdemeanor charge, those under the age of 21 caught drinking will face a $500 fine that could be reduced if they complete an alcohol safety action course.

Zara Smelcer runs the Anchorage Juvenile Alcohol Safety Program and works closely with children charged with MCA’s.

She thinks the change is important, but wishes the legislation had gone a step further

“I feel like the educational component being mandatory is actually more important than any fine being paid directly to the court. Because they’re getting the education and treatment to help them make the decision not to do it again until they’re of legal age.”

Before this bill can become law, it must be signed by Gov. Bill Walker

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