DE FACTO ADULTS

All active duty personnel are eligible for membership in veteran's organizations, including those under the age of 21. Current law causes a dilemma to the “under age” military service members. Here they are, eligible to join an organization, but unable to go to the meetings because they are under age. That’s ridiculous.

HB331 sponsored by Rep. Jim Elkins attempts to remedy that situation. This bill will allow active duty people under 21 to avail themselves of the club's amenities such as television, pool table, lounge, etc., but not to consume alcoholic beverages. The bill was heard in the House Labor and Commerce Committee today.

I feel strongly about this entire issue. The following is the comment I made during committee discussion.

“Rep. Bob Lynn: When a man or a woman are a member of the United States Armed Forces, and they are subject to being shot or killed in combat – that’s not the definition of a child. It’s the definition of an adult, whenever their chronological age. To my way of thinking, that military member deserves, and should have, all the rights and privileges of any other adult.

I may or may not personally approve of drinking, smoking, certain dancing, or being in a club which serves alcoholic beverages. Nonetheless, any member of the military is a de facto adult, and should be treated so.”

NOTE: The bill moved out of the Labor and Commerce with seven “Do Pass” recommendations – including mine.