In a historic move to inhibit underage alcohol consumption, Texas has unanimously passed SB 650, known as the “Deshawn Jagwan Act.” This legislation mandates the use of electronic ID scanners at retail points of sale for alcoholic beverages, aiming to enhance age verification processes and prevent minors from purchasing alcohol.
The tragic catalyst
The motivation for this legislation stems from the untimely death of 18-year-old Deshawn Jagwan in April 2022. Deshawn purchased alcohol without being asked for identification and subsequently died in a car accident. His mother channeled her grief into advocacy, spending three years pushing for stricter alcohol sales regulations. Her efforts culminated in the passage of Texas SB 650.
What does Texas SB 650 mean?
Texas SB 650 introduces several key provisions to strengthen age verification in alcohol sales:
Mandatory electronic ID scanning
Retailers are required to access electronically readable information on a customer’s driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, or identification certificate to verify age before completing an alcohol sale.
Scope of application
The law applies to all retail sales of alcoholic beverages, excluding sales on the premises of package store permit holders.
Implementation timeline
The Deshawn Jagwan Act takes effect on September 1, 2025. However, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) is not authorized to take disciplinary action against retailers for non-compliance until after September 1, 2027, providing a two-year window for businesses to adapt.
Implications for retailers
The enactment of Texas SB 650 signifies a shift towards more stringent enforcement of age restrictions in alcohol sales. Retailers must now invest in electronic ID scanning technology to comply with the law. Failure to do so could result in penalties post-September 2027.
Moreover, Texas law provides an “affirmative defense” for businesses using ID scanners. This means that if a retailer unknowingly sells alcohol to a minor despite scanning their ID, they may be shielded from liability, emphasizing the importance of adopting reliable scanning solutions.
How IDScan.net can help
IDScan.net offers advanced ID scanning solutions that can help Texas retailers meet the requirements of Texas SB 650. With the use of either VeriScan or ParseLink, the software solutions are able to:
- Accurately scan and verify various forms of identification, including passports, state IDs, and international IDs, ensuring compliance with the new law.
- Utilize AI and machine learning algorithms to detect fake or counterfeit IDs, adding an extra layer of security.
- Ensure that the solutions adhere to state, federal, and international data privacy regulations, safeguarding customer information during the scanning process.
Conclusion
The passage of Texas SB 650 marks a pivotal moment in Texas’s efforts to prevent underage drinking. Retailers must act promptly to integrate electronic ID scanning into their operations. While the date for non-compliance penalties does not start until September 2027, it is best to update workflows now to minimize risk while also protecting our youth.
