HCS SB 130 -- LIQUOR CONTROL

SPONSOR:  Bland (Barry)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee
on Children, Families and Health by a vote of 13 to 0.

This substitute requires the placement of warning signs in
establishments licensed to sell or serve alcoholic beverages.
The warning sign must be on the premises and must state that
drinking alcoholic beverages during pregnancy may cause birth
defects.  The Supervisor of Liquor Control is required to issue
a warning to a licensee violating this law.  Persons who violate
the provisions of the substitute will not be guilty of a crime.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters state that 21 states have similar laws
and that the bill is another measure to protect the life of
unborn children.  The bill will remind pregnant women not to
consume alcoholic beverages during pregnancy.  Fetal alcohol
syndrome is the main cause of mental retardation in children.
These children have learning disabilities and mental health
problems.  There is no known safe limit for alcohol consumption
during pregnancy.

Testifying for the bill were Senator Bland; March of Dimes; and
Missouri Association of Community Task Forces.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Joseph Deering, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated November 26, 2001 at 11:47 am