In the News

News-Sun, September 5, 2007

Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Friday signed into law a bill sponsored by state Sen. Susan Garrett, D-Lake Forest, that creates a felony offense for parents if bodily harm occurs as a result of underage drinking in their home.

Garrett said the bill "unfortunately" was inspired by the teen drinking party at the Deerfield home of Jeffrey and Sara Hutsell last Oct. 13 which ended when two 18-year-olds died in a car crash at the end of the driveway.

Garrett said the incident triggered "many calls from law enforcement, mayors and citizens from across the state" who urged toughening up the law. "Tools like this are really needed." The bill was unanimously supported in both chambers.

"Parents shouldn't look the other way when underage kids are in their home drinking," Garrett said. "Hopefully, this law will be a deterrent.

"By and large, parents try to do the right thing. They need help in not sending a mixed message," she said. "They can't control teens who want to drink and leave. Parents legally are not allowed to constrain teens from leaving a home."

Garrett added, "I hope this law will be another milestone to ensure cooperation between parents, teens and law enforcement when it comes to underage drinking. Our goal is to keep our communities stronger, our parents more involved and our teens safer."

Current law carries a Class A misdemeanor charge if parents allow underage drinking.

While the bill's intention is to deter parents from serving underage teens in their homes, it also sends a strong message that the state intends to be vigilant when it comes to drinking and driving, Garrett said.

"I am pleased that the governor signed this critical legislation at the beginning of the Labor Day weekend," she said.

The Labor Day weekend is among the most deadly, for alcohol-related traffic deaths, according to the Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the National Traffic Safety Administration.