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Bill Holds Adults Liable for Minors' Damage
Meyer's HB 281 Would Discourage Giving Alcohol to Children

(JUNEAU) - A bill allowing those who are injured by an inebriated minor to seek civil recourse against an adult who provided the minor with alcohol passed the House Labor and Commerce Committee on Monday.

Under House Bill 281, sponsored by Rep. Kevin Meyer (R-Anchorage), an adult who knowingly furnished alcohol to a person under the age of 21 could be held civilly liable for the resulting damages or injuries. The damages could be won by the victim of such injuries or damages, or by the victim's family.

"The tragedy on Anchorage roads last July, which took the lives of three teenagers and one police officer, has highlighted the problem of underage drinking and the consequences of an adult who knowingly provides alcohol to a minor," Meyer said. In that incident, several minors who were provided alcohol by adults fled from police in a high-speed chase that ended with a head-on collision between the youths' car and a police cruiser.

In current statute, bars and liquors stores that furnish alcohol to minors can be held civilly liable, as well as criminally responsible, for damages or injuries if it is determined that alcohol is a factor in causing the damage or injury. HB 281 would hold the general public to the same high standards as liquor stores and bars.

"Underage drinking is a significant problem in Alaska," Meyer said. "Liability laws such as HB 281 will help deter adults from furnishing alcohol to minors. Regardless of whether they are parents, neighbors, older siblings or even strangers, adults must be held accountable for the dangerous results that can occur when they provide alcohol to minors."

HB 281 is next scheduled for referral to the House Judiciary Committee.

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