A move to decriminalize the penalty for underage drinking has been approved by a North Dakota House committee. House Bill 12-23 would change the offense for 18…19…and 20 year olds caught with booze from a Class B misdemeanor to a criminal infraction. The penalty provision would drop from a maximum 30 days and a $1,500 fine to a $1,000 fine and no jail time.
Representative Zachary Ista of Grand Forks says the move better aligns the treatment of alcohol with that of marijuana.
The change would not impact driving laws or penalties for juveniles under 18.
The House Judiciary Committee gave the bill a DO PASS recommendation by a 12-1 vote.
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