SB 2016-009: Freedom to Drink Act (Passed Senate)

[Goldwater]

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Sponsor: Goldwater

72 hours for debate. I invite the author to speak on the bill.

Sorry to speak before the sponsor, but I'd be happy to have a universal drinking age of 18- 16 seems too low, and frankly 21 seems extremely too high. If we want to let this be a regional issue; I think we should have a smaller range of 18-20

I would be open to that, though I want to hear other people's thoughts first. My main priority is eliminating the federal drinking age of 21, which IMO is inconsistent and unfair when you consider that 18 is old enough to vote, join the military, smoke tobacco, etc. The reason I went with regionalization to accomplish that goal is becasue I thought some people might disagree with a federal minimum age of 18, so this was a sort of compromise  

[Goldwater]

I like the idea of promoting regional activity by giving them a frame to choose. I think it would be good to include a clause saying that in the event a region does not legislatively mandate a minimum age, a national one is imposed. That way there is a default option in case the regions can't agree on another number.

Yeah, that is probably a good idea. The question is, do we go with 21, since it's the current status quo, 16, since it's the lowest minimum, or another number in between?

[Goldwater]

So, Tmth and Classic, you guys are saying that the federal minimum drinking should be 18, with each region having the option to lower it up to 16, if they choose to do so. Am I correct?

[Goldwater]

Eh, I don't like the idea of having it technically be up to the regions, but limiting their funding if they try to change it. It reminds me too much of the act I am trying to repeal. The amendment is unfriendly.

[Goldwater]

Okay, what does everybody think of this amendment?

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(note that I am not officially proposing this amendment yet, I want to hear people's thoughts on it first.)

[Goldwater]

Okay, it's been over 24 hours and I there hasn't been very much discussion. I'll just go ahead and officially propose the amendment.

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[Goldwater]

AYE

[Goldwater]

Guys, the drinking age will only be 16 if your region decides to lower it from 18. If don't want that to happen, I suggest contacting your regional legislators.