A bill for an act regarding restrictions on alcoholic beverage sales, including a voluntary exclusion program.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Doug Campbell

Bill SF 405 allows individuals with substance use disorders to voluntarily exclude themselves from purchasing alcohol, enhancing support and privacy while protecting retailers.

Subcommittee recommends amendment and passage.

#alcoholicbeverages #confidentiality #healthandhumanservicesdepartment #retail #revenuedepartment #sales #substanceusedisorder

Summary of Bill SF 405

Title: A bill for an act regarding restrictions on alcoholic beverage sales, including a voluntary exclusion program.

Bill Number: SF 405
Introduced: February 20, 2025
Status: Subcommittee recommends amendment and passage
Classification: Bill
Subject: Alcoholic beverages, confidentiality, health and human services department, retail, revenue department, sales, substance use disorder

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill SF 405 is to establish a voluntary exclusion program that allows individuals to opt out of purchasing alcoholic beverages from retail licensees. This initiative aims to support individuals struggling with substance use disorders by providing them with a mechanism to limit their access to alcohol.

Key Provisions

Voluntary Exclusion Process:

Individuals can voluntarily request to be excluded from purchasing alcoholic beverages for a period of either five years or for life.
After the initial five-year period, individuals may request subsequent exclusions for additional five-year terms or for life.

Confidentiality Measures:

Retail alcohol licensees will have electronic access to the names, social security numbers, and other identifying information of individuals who have opted for exclusion.
This information must be kept confidential and can only be disclosed if legally required.

Information on Support Programs:

Individuals who request exclusion will receive information from the Department of Health and Human Services regarding comprehensive substance use disorder programs, including treatment and prevention options.

Liability Protections:

The state and retail alcohol licensees will not be held liable for any claims arising from the voluntary exclusion process.
The Department of Revenue is prohibited from taking administrative action or imposing penalties on licensees who voluntarily disclose a sale to an excluded person.

Impact

Individuals Affected: The bill primarily targets individuals with substance use disorders who wish to limit their access to alcohol. It provides them with a formal mechanism to do so while ensuring their privacy.

Retail Licensees: Retail alcohol licensees will need to implement systems to manage the exclusion requests and maintain confidentiality, but they will also benefit from liability protections.

Health and Human Services: The bill may increase the workload for the Department of Health and Human Services as they will be responsible for providing information on substance use disorder programs to individuals who opt for exclusion.

Procedural Timeline

February 20, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the State Government committee.

February 25, 2025: Subcommittee meeting scheduled for February 27, 2025, at 8:30 AM in Room 315.

March 3, 2025: Subcommittee recommends amendment and passage of the bill.

This summary provides an overview of SF 405, highlighting its intent, key provisions, and potential impacts on individuals and retail alcohol licensees. The bill represents a proactive approach to addressing substance use disorders through voluntary measures.