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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T





SPONSOR: M. Sanchez DATE TYPED: 2/5/01 HB
SHORT TITLE: Remove Open Containers Exception SB 246
ANALYST: Rael


APPROPRIATION



Appropriation Contained
Estimated Additional Impact
Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY01 FY02 FY01 FY02
NFI



(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)



SOURCES OF INFORMATION



LFC files



SUMMARY



Synopsis of Bill



SB 246 removes an exception to the prohibition against alcoholic beverages in open containers in motor vehicles. Currently "any person who is employed by a person licensed by the Liquor Control Act while discharging his duties as an employee is exempted out of the prohibition," but SB 246 amends this exemption.



Significant Issues



SB 246 makes the current Liquor Control Act more restrictive.



FISCAL IMPLICATIONS



The Alcohol and Gaming Division is already enforcing the Liquor Control Act so there will not be any added administrative cost. SB 246 has the potential to save the State and society in general by slightly lowering the DWI accident rate.



FR/njw