SAN ANTONIO -- State Representative J.M. Lozano (Kingsville) wants to make it legal for active duty men and women to drink alcohol at 18.
The lawmaker believes active duty military members have earned the right to be treated differently.
"Men and women will put their lives on the line. They volunteer to do that for their country," explained Lozano. "I would always ponder and recall their sacrifice and they can't even have a beer."
Other 18-year-olds outside the military, would have to wait until the legal drinking age of 21.
There are various exceptions to the law, in different states, and people on the streets have different opinions about the bill...
"I don't think that they are able to understand the responsibilities of drinking at that early age and the consequences of what will happen,"
"With all due respect to the military, I think they should wait until 21."
"If they can give their life for us and serve our country, I think they should be able to enjoy things."
Lozano said the proposal must go through the state process and he is still trying to garner support from other state lawmakers. He is even considering a revision, allowing active duty military members to drink at age 18 only on military bases.
Lozano filed House Bill 892.
Click here to read more about the bill...
