The driver was under the influence of alcohol.
“What happened is a lesson learned the hard way, and should be a message to others who have, at times, traveled this path,” Leon Guerrero said.
She said the commitment and dedication of Substance Abuse Prevention Program coordinator Reyna Saures also inspired her to introduce the bill.
This was the first time that the Youth Congress “considered this sensitive subject,” she added.
Her bill will increase the fine from $100 to $1,000 for those found serving alcohol to minors.
They will also be imprisoned for not more than a year, instead of the current law’s 90-day term.
Moreover, Leon Guerrero recommends 300 hours of community service.
In addition, she wants establishments barred from employing workers who serve or mix alcohol if they are not more than 21 years old.
The current age requirement is 18 years old..
Those serving alcohol to minors should be subjected to a $1,000 fine, one-year imprisonment and 300 hours of community service for the first offense; $3,000 fine, imprisonment of not more than three years, plus 300 hours of community service for the second offense; and $5,000 fine, five years imprisonment and 500 hours of community service for the third offense.
Minors purchasing or consuming alcoholic beverages will serve a one-year jail term, perform 350 hours of community service and attend a workshop on substance abuse.
“For three years now, this has been my goal and I’ve been researching ways to pass this legislation. As a high school student and an active youth in our community, I’ve spoken to many of my peers about the issue. Many say they drink because it’s fun, a reason to hang out with friends, a way to relax and it tastes good,” Leon Guerrero said.
But, she added, it is totally wrong to be consuming alcohol at such a young age.
“There are also adults who act irresponsibly when they consumed alcohol,” she pointed out.
Leon Guerrero said some establishments allow minors to buy alcohol.
“Even though they display signs stating that no minors are allowed to buy alcohol, what do they do? Do they check the identification of the person entering the establishment?” she asked.
She said her proposal may not be popular among her peers but added that it is necessary to protect the youth.
“We are young adults and have a long life to live for, and we must develop our adult lives learning to grow up as responsible, respectable and educated young individuals, paving the way to becoming leaders of our pristine islands in the future,” she said.
Youth Congress bills, once passed, are transmitted to the Legislature for its consideration.
