Texas Passes Electronic ID Law for Alcohol Sales Despite Opposition

The Texas Legislature approved a bill requiring retailers to electronically scan driver’s licenses when selling alcohol for off-premises consumption, despite opposition from some lawmakers including Rep. Wesley Virdell of District 53.

Senate Bill 650, known as the Deshawn Jagwan Act, passed the House 82-57 in its final vote June 1, with Virdell among those voting against the measure. The Senate approved the bill 28-3.

The law requires most retailers to use electronic scanners to verify customer age by accessing digital information embedded in driver’s licenses and identification cards when selling beer, wine and spirits for consumption off the premises. Retailers can manually enter license information if scanning equipment fails.

Gov. Greg Abbott has not yet signed the bill. The measure takes effect Sept. 1, 2025, but enforcement begins Sept. 1, 2027.

The legislation exempts several categories of alcohol sales, including restaurants, breweries, wineries, sporting events and delivery services. Retailers also face no penalties if internet connectivity issues prevent electronic verification, provided they conduct visual inspections of identification.

Critics worry the mandate will burden small retailers with equipment costs and internet connectivity requirements. The law takes effect Sept. 1, 2025, but the Legislature provided businesses a two-year grace period before enforcement begins.

Supporters argue the electronic verification system will reduce underage drinking and protect retailers from liability. The bill includes protections for businesses whose scanning devices incorrectly validate fraudulent identification as legitimate.

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission must adopt implementation rules by Sept. 1, 2027. Retailers cannot retain information collected through electronic scans.

Business groups expressed mixed reactions to the requirement. While some larger retailers already use electronic scanning systems, smaller establishments worry about implementation costs and technical challenges.

The law includes several defenses for retailers, including exemptions for customers 40 years or older and protections during internet outages. Violations carry Class A misdemeanor penalties.

Texas joins several other states requiring electronic verification for alcohol purchases, though the broad scope of exemptions makes the law less comprehensive than similar measures in other jurisdictions.

The bill’s title honors Deshawn Jagwan, though the legislation provides no details about the individual’s connection to the measure.