NEWS

from the Illinois Senate

State Senator Susan Garrett

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 31, 2007

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Susan Garrett (847) 433-2002

GOVERNOR SIGNS GARRETT BILL ON UNDERAGE DRINKING

HIGHWOOD, Illinois – At the beginning of the first holiday weekend of the school year, Governor Blagojevich today signed SB 158, a bill that addresses underage drinking and parents’ responsibilities.

This bill sponsored by Senator Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest) provides that it is unlawful for parents to knowingly authorize, enable, or permit underage drinkers to have access to either their residence or liquor kept in the residence. Currently the law states that if parents allow underage drinking, the parents can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. Garrett’s bill, SB 158, adds a new provision, which carries a felony charge if bodily harm occurs when parents are aware that alcohol is being served in their home.

“I am pleased that the Governor signed this critical legislation at the beginning of Labor Day weekend.” Garrett said.

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Labor Day holiday weekend has been among the most deadly for alcohol-related traffic deaths in recent years. Additionally, statistics from the National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show Labor Day weekend as a very deadly holiday for alcohol-related deaths.

While this bill’s intention is to deter parents from serving underage teens in their homes, it also sends a strong message that the State of Illinois intends to be vigilant when it comes to drinking and driving.

“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,” Garrett said.