Persons under the age of 21 caught consuming or purchasing alcohol may soon face a civil infraction, rather than a misdemeanor, under legislation that recently passed the Michigan Senate.

Senate Bills 332 and 333, sponsored by Sen. Rick Jones (R-Grand Ledge), are now being considered by the House Committee on Criminal Justice. 

According to the Michigan State Police, more than 6,000 people faced minor in possession (MIP) charges in 2013. Sen. Jones has called it “outrageous” to make it a...