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Committee approves amended bill on technology used for age verification in alcohol service
Summary
The Governmental Organization Committee passed AB 509 (Flora) as amended to Appropriations after the author accepted committee amendments and industry representatives said good‑faith use of verification technology should satisfy server obligations.
Assembly Bill 509 by Assemblymember Flora was approved as amended by the Assembly Governmental Organization Committee and referred to the Committee on Appropriations, the secretary announced after the roll call.
The author told the committee he accepted the committee’s amendments and asked members for an “I” vote. Matt Sutton, representing the California Restaurant Association, spoke in strong support and described AB 509 as addressing increased use of identity‑verification technology at entry points and in restaurants.
“[Alcohol] service training mandates in the restaurant … is how we manage a tight ship inside the restaurant when it comes to alcohol service,” Sutton said. He added that the bill would make clear that “if we go through the good faith effort of doing so, then we've met our obligation.”
Testimony in the hearing indicated stakeholders negotiated committee amendments and that the author agreed to accept them. No speakers in opposition were recorded in the transcript.
A motion to pass AB 509 as amended to the Committee on Appropriations carried on a committee roll call; the secretary announced 14 yes votes and that the roll would be left open for absent members.
Votes at a glance: AB 509 (Flora) — Passed by the Governmental Organization Committee as amended; advanced to the Assembly Appropriations Committee with 14 recorded yes votes.
Further action: The bill will next be considered by the Appropriations Committee.
