A bill signed by Gov. Chet Culver on Tuesday specifies disciplinary action for those found drinking underage in public.

The legislation, House File 788, requires that police officers who make reasonable attempts to identify an underage drinker must refer her or him to juvenile court. The juvenile court officer will then be required to inform the person’s parent or guardian.

The bill also clarifies that a person under 21 in a vehicle with an open alcohol container should be charged with PAULA.

— by Brian Stewart