Legislating innovations

Scanning legislative activity by those states currently in session has brought to light a couple of interesting alcohol-related bills.

In Georgia, the House approved HB 1066 this week, which bans the sale and consumption of “vaporized” alcohol. Vaporized alcohol is liquor mixed with oxygen to create a mist that users breathe in instead of drink. [Atlanta Journal Constitution]

In Utah, the Senate approved a bill this week which requires that alcohol flavored drinks called “alcohol-pops” be sold only at state-run liquor stores. The sponsor said the beverages are currently sold at grocery stores and marketed at underage drinkers, especially girls who don't like the taste of beer, and are deliberately packaged and flavored to look and taste like soda pop. [Deseret Morning News]

Hmmm. In a move that seems clearly aimed at Paris Hilton and a few others, California Assemblyman Bill Maze has introduced AB 2233, a measure that would make it illegal to drive with a live animal in your lap (why is the word "live" required?).