The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission announced on September 28, 2026 that it will hold a public stakeholder meeting on October 8 to discuss a draft rule implementing Senate Bill 650, also known as the Deshawn Jagwan Act. Once finalized, the rule will require retailers to electronically scan a purchaser’s identification before completing an alcohol sale, using systems capable of flagging fraudulent or altered IDs.
The law is named for a Texas teenager who died in a crash after an unverified alcohol purchase, and it was championed by his mother with the backing of state lawmakers. TABC is required to have the implementing rule finalized by September 1, 2027, which gives retailers a runway to put scanning systems and staff procedures in place before enforcement tightens.
For servers and sellers, the practical shift is in how an ID check gets done, not just whether one happens. Visual inspection alone will not be enough once the rule takes effect; staff will need to run a customer’s ID through an approved scanning system as part of every applicable sale, and employers will be responsible for having that equipment and training in place. Texas TABC Seller/Server Certification training already covers how to properly verify identification and spot red flags, and that foundation carries over directly to the new scanning requirement.
Texas sellers and servers should watch for the finalized rule following the October 8 stakeholder meeting, since it will spell out exactly which license types and transactions are covered and what counts as an approved scanning system.
Source: Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
This post is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Alcohol-service laws change frequently and vary by state and locality. Always confirm current requirements with your state’s alcohol regulatory authority or a qualified professional before acting.
