House backs changing minor-in-possession from misdemeanor to infraction

A first offense of being a minor in possession of alcohol or a minor consuming alcohol would be changed from a misdemeanor to an infraction, under legislation that cleared the House on a 65-2 vote today. HB 494,  sponsored by Rep. Lynn Luker, R-Boise, and Sen. Curt McKenzie, R-Nampa, is a recommendation from the Misdemeanor Reclassification Subcommittee of the state’s Criminal Justice Commission.

Subsequent offenses still would be misdemeanors. But the first offense wouldn’t, meaning no public offender would need to be assigned, nor would a misdemeanor criminal offense go on the young offender’s record. The two “no” votes came from Reps. Paul Romrell, R-St. Anthony, and Van Burtenshaw, R-Terreton. The bill now moves to the Senate side.