DALLAS — A new Texas law mandates electronic age-verification scanners at cash registers in convenience stores and retailers selling alcohol, a measure spurred by the tragic loss of a young man in a drunk-driving accident.
The legislation emerged from the efforts of Charlotte Stephens, a North Texas mother whose son, DeShawn Jagwan, died after consuming alcohol purchased without identification checks. Jagwan was just 18 years old when he died in a single-car crash shortly after attending his high school prom.
On April 9, 2022, Stephens sent Jagwan off to Plano Senior High School’s prom. Described as a bright light by his mother, Jagwan stood 6 feet 7 inches tall and had aspirations of playing college basketball. He received a scholarship offer just days after his death, though he never had the chance to realize his dreams.
Less than an hour after prom ended, Jagwan was involved in a fatal accident following multiple trips to a nearby convenience store, where he bought high-alcohol-content beverages without being asked for ID. This incident raised alarms for Stephens, prompting her to advocate for legislative changes aimed at preventing such tragedies in the future.
Stephens approached state lawmakers with her plea for stronger safeguards against underage alcohol purchases. Her persistent advocacy resonated with legislators, leading to the introduction of the new law.
Senator Royce West underscored Stephens’ commitment, noting her tireless efforts to tell her son’s story in order to provoke legislative action. The bill passed without opposition and has now been enacted into law, giving stores a two-year timeframe to implement the new scanners while beginning compliance immediately.
The emotional weight of the new legislation is not lost on Stephens. After enduring three years without hope since her son’s passing, she expressed newfound optimism. “I feel like there’s hope,” she stated, emphasizing her wish for protective measures that will benefit future generations, including her newborn grandson.
This new legislation aims to create a safer environment by ensuring that alcohol retailers take responsibility for verifying age before selling alcoholic beverages. It stands as a testament to a mother’s dedication to turning her family’s tragedy into a proactive measure to avoid similar outcomes for other families.
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