LANSING – A new bill would change the penalties associated with underage drinking in Michigan.
Sen. Rick Jones introduced the bill last May, and was passed by the House on Tuesday. It now heads to Governor Snyder's desk for his signature.
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Under the bill the first violation by a person under age 21 for purchasing, possessing or consuming alcohol or having any bodily alcohol content would be a civil infraction of $100.
Currently the penalty for a first offense is a misdemeanor that can stay on an offender’s record for life.
Repeat offenses would remain misdemeanors.
A second offense could be punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $200 fine.
Additional offenses would increase to up to 60 days in jail and $500 fines.