HB108 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Randy Davis

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

House parties, minors under 21 present and alcoholic beverages or controlled substances being consumed, prohibited, penalty increased, Sec. 13A-11-10.1 am'd.

Summary

HB108 would raise the penalty for adults hosting open house parties where someone under 21 drinks or uses drugs from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class C felony.

What This Bill Does

The bill changes the law so that an adult in charge of a residence who allows an open house party where under-21s illegally possess or consume alcohol or controlled substances, and who is present, can be charged as a Class C felony. It defines key terms to clarify who is covered and what actions constitute a violation (including what counts as a 'reasonable action' to stop underage use). It also notes that, although such laws could trigger local-fund spending debates, the bill is exempted from those requirements because it creates or amends a crime. The act would take effect on the first day of the third month after it is approved by the Governor.

Who It Affects

• Adults having control of a residence who host or allow open house parties where under-21 individuals drink alcohol or use controlled substances (potential Class C felony liability).
• Local governments and taxpayers, due to interplay with Amendment 621 on local-fund spending, though the bill is designed to be exempt from those funding requirements.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 13A-11-10.1 to raise the offense for an adult having control of a residence who allows an open house party with under-21 alcohol or drug use from Class B misdemeanor to Class C felony.
• Defines key terms: adult, adult having control of a residence, open house party, controlled substance, and reasonable action (ejecting violators or requesting law enforcement).
• Specifies that the violation hinges on the adult's knowledge of illegal possession/consumption by a person under 21 and the adult's failure to take reasonable action.
• States the act is excluded from additional local-fund requirements under Amendment 621 because it creates or amends a crime, and specifies the effective date as the first day of the third month after Governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses