Proof of age bill advances

Senators advanced a bill from general file Feb. 1 that would allow nonresidents to use a state-issued identification card to purchase alcohol.

To purchase alcohol a customer currently must provide one of the following accepted forms of identification:
• a valid driver’s or operator’s license;
• a military identification card;
• an alien registration card;
• a passport; or
• a Nebraska state identification card.

LB173, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Colby Coash, would add to that list a state identification card from any state. Coash said he introduced the bill because people holding valid state identification were being refused service.

“As Nebraska sees more out-of-state guests, we need to make sure we are welcoming to them,” he said.

Lincoln Sen. Amanda McGill supported the bill, saying it would affect many of the students attending college in the state.

“We want to encourage more students to come to our colleges and universities,” she said. “We don’t want this to be a reason they don’t come here.”

Senators voted to advance the bill to select file on a 30-0 vote.