New alcohol laws in Illinois

JACKSON COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The State of Illinois is cracking down on people who give alcohol to minors.

Illinois' Governor Pat Quinn signed into effect two new laws, one is geared towards controlling how alcohol lands in the hands of minors. And the other requires all law enforcement agencies to use their DUI Funds for DUI enforcement only.

House Bill 1554 will make it a Class A misdemeanor if a parent or guardian gives anyone under the age of 21 alcohol, whether it's at a house party, or in public.

If that underage person hurts themselves or someone else after drinking, the adult could be charged with a Class 4 felony.

"I think it's a good idea," said Cheryl Jones of Carterville. "Maybe they'll think twice before buying alcohol for people under twenty one. They shouldn't have it any way. And maybe it will stop some car wrecks and other things that happen."

House Bill 5021 requires all law enforcement agencies in Illinois to use their DUI Funds for the same training and DUI enforcement in line with how the Illinois State Police and Secretary of State Police use their DUI Funds.

"The funds are very important because it allows us to be able to continue with our enforcement patrols," said Deputy Delano Scott with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office. "Impaired driving is no longer just alcohol. It covers marijuana and prescription pills. Including the new synthetic drugs being developed. And every time we have to be on our toes and on the lookout for the next new thing that's come a long."

The new laws will go into effect in January 2013.

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