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Senate sends underage drinking bill to Iowa gov

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April 10th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A bill making it illegal for landowners to allow drinking by minors on their property has won the final approval of the Iowa Senate. The Senate voted 47-0 Thursday to send the legislation to Gov. Terry Branstad. The measure originally prohibited landowners from permitting anyone under 21 to drink. The Senate concurred with a House amendment that limits offenses to those who permit people younger than 18 to drink on their property. Lawmakers also agreed to pass a provision exempting landlords and other property managers who may be unaware of minors drinking.

Under the bill, first violations would carry a simple misdemeanor charge and a $200 fine.  Sen. Robert Hogg, a Cedar Rapids Democrat, says despite changes to the legislation, it makes progress in fighting underage drinking across the state.