HB 50-ACCESS TO LICENSED PREMISES  10:20:10 AM CHAIR FRENCH announced the consideration of HB 50, "An Act relating to the purchase of alcoholic beverages at a club and to access by certain persons under 21 years of age to a club's licensed premises when alcoholic beverages are present." 10:20:21 AM REPRESENTATIVE DAN SADDLER, sponsor of HB 50, said the bill is about access to patriotic clubs that may be licensed premises, but is not intended to allow minors to consume alcohol in these establishments. HB 50 has two basic elements. Section 1 would make it easier for service members and their spouses who are over age 21 to visit licensed premises such as an American Legion or VFW hall at the club's invitation. Section 2 would allow service members and their spouses who are under age 21, and have appropriate identification, to enter licensed premises of patriotic clubs if they are members or guests of a member. He noted that if the host leaves the premises, the minors must also leave. He explained that patriotic clubs are often used for off-base meetings of military units and to exclude those who are under age 21 can negatively affect unit cohesion and morale. REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER reiterated that HB 50 does not permit underage drinking. It simply clarifies that military personnel and their spouses who are over age 21 do not have to wait for a special occasion to visit a patriot club, and that military personnel and their spouses who are under age 21 can visit, but not consume alcohol, as long as they are members or guests. He noted that the packet contained documentations of support. 10:22:28 AM CHAIR FRENCH asked if the bill had any opposition. REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER said no. CHAIR FRENCH observed that the bill addresses only the narrow category of patriotic clubs, not licensed premises in general. REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER [nodded.] 10:23:04 AM CHAIR FRENCH closed public testimony and reviewed the supporting documentation in the packet. Finding no further committee discussion, he asked the will of the committee. 10:23:39 AM SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI moved to report CS for HB 55 from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s). CHAIR FRENCH announced that without objection, CSHB 55(JUD) moved from the Senate Judiciary Standing Committee.