JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri plan seeks to deter underage gamblers by relaxing criminal charges and strengthening fines.
A bill pending before Governor Jay Nixon would change Missouri’s current laws against showing fake identification at casinos. First-time offenders currently can face a misdemeanor charge punishable by a fine of up to $500 and a maximum of six months in jail.
But state House member Noel Shull says few minors are prosecuted. Shull is a Republican from Kansas City who is a former chairman of the Missouri Gaming Commission that regulates casinos.
His legislation would lower a first-time offense for youths showing a fake ID at casinos to an infraction but would impose a mandatory $500 fine.
Nixon has not said whether he will sign or veto the legislation.