TRUST Coalition > Meeting Minutes > February 17, 2005

Toward Responsible Use of Substances Today
(TRUST) Coalition Minutes
February 17, 2005

Present: Lin Brummels, and Kathy Mohlfeld.

LB 107-Introduced by Omaha Senator Mike Friend, it would change the “look back” period from 4 to 10 years. The change would allow the Liquor Control Commission (LCC) to look at the past 10 years of a license holder’s record of violations when imposing penalties. Project Extra Mile (PEM) requested this bill.

LB 108-Senator Friend also sponsored this bill which would close a loophole in the minor in possession (MIP) statute. If passed, minors who are outside of their home and are found to have alcohol in their systems (either by observation or testing); will be considered to be in violation of the MIP law. PEM requested this bill.

LB 178- Senators Lowen Kruse and Ray Aguilar, along with several other senators, are sponsoring this measure which often is referred to as a Use and Lose bill. It provides for the loss of driving privileges for minors who possess or consume alcohol. This bill has 12 co-sponsors.

LB 530-introduced by the General Affairs Committee to change the Liquor Control Act to allow the LCC more discretion when allowing or denying a license. The bill would also give more weight to the impact of the new license on communities. It would change the standard for granting a liquor license by the LCC by stating the Commission may grant a license instead of shall grant a license. This bill doesn’t look like it will advance.

LB 592-this the Dram Shop and Social Host Liability proposal introduced by Senator Kruse and 13 other senators. The bill would provide for civil liability for retailers and other adults who would provide alcohol to a minor or visibly intoxicated person who later causes harm to a third party. Nebraska is one of 18 states that do not have some form of social host liability.

LB 594-Twenty senators are co-sponsoring this bill which would increase penalties for repeat drunk driving offenders. This penalty would increase to a felony.

LB 598-introduced by Senator Jensen to provide funding for substance abuse programs, especially treatment, through an increase in the alcohol tax. He is seeking around a 40% increase that would generate $10 million/year (as little as $ 0.07 per 6 pack). This bill has been indefinetly postponed.

Representative Tom Osborne began the new session of Congress pushing the Sober Truth on Preventing (STOP) Underage Drinking Act. It would establish federal coordination and reporting among agencies involved; authorizes a national media campaign against underage drinking; provides additional resources to prevent underage drinking; and expands research and collects new data on underage drinking.

Committee/Workgroup Updates:

Education and Information: Contact Keith Willis at 375-7210 for more information.

• Myth vs. Reality quizzes were given last night at the cafeteria.

Neighborhood Relations: Contact Kathy Mohlfeld at 375-7321 for more
information.

• No report.

Policy and Enforcement: Next meeting is 2/24/2005 at 4:00 p.m. in the SC 103.

• Wildcat Wheels started last Thursday evening. Lacey Schwochow and Anne Willis were the dispatchers; Checker Cab of Norfolk provided transportation.
• See attached for the write up in “The Wayne Stater”.
• 22 riders the first night
• See attached brochure.
• Information and picture on the website

Social Environment: Contact Lin Brummels for more information at 375-7321.

• “What’s Going On?” is distributed across campus and is on the website here.

**Next meeting is Thursday, March 17, 2005 at 3:30 p.m. in the Goldenrod Room of the Student Center.

**Contact the Counseling Center at 402-375-7321 or wsctrust@hotmail.com if you have any suggestions or concerns for the TRUST Coalition.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world."
----Margaret Mead

_________________________
Ron Vick, MA, LPC
Counselor / Academic Advisor
Int'l Student Advisor