The Oregon House Committee on Economic Development, Small Business, and Trade convened on April 28, 2025, to discuss a proposed bill aimed at enhancing age verification processes for the sale of age-restricted products. The meeting highlighted the need for clearer regulations to protect both minors and business owners from potential legal repercussions.

State Representative E. Warner Raschke, a key proponent of the bill, emphasized the shift from a subjective to an objective standard for age verification. The proposed legislation would allow businesses to implement a policy of scanning IDs for all customers, thereby reducing the risk of inadvertently selling restricted items to minors. Raschke argued that this change would provide certainty for retailers, who currently face legal risks if they mistakenly sell to someone underage.

Concerns were raised during the meeting regarding the potential for misuse of data collected through ID scanning. Representative Provost Ward expressed apprehension about the possibility of customer information being captured and used for advertising purposes. In response, Raschke assured the committee that the scanning systems in question do not store personal data, and any violations of this principle would be subject to legal consequences.

The discussion also touched on the broader context of age verification in retail, particularly in light of increasing concerns about underage access to products like alcohol and vaping devices. Committee members noted that businesses like Plaid Pantry have been proactive in implementing ID scanning systems, which have proven effective in preventing sales to minors.

As the meeting progressed, members acknowledged the challenges faced by retailers, particularly in balancing compliance with age verification laws and maintaining customer satisfaction. The bill aims to alleviate some of the burdens on businesses while reinforcing the importance of preventing underage sales.

In conclusion, the committee's discussions underscored the significance of the proposed legislation in addressing both legal liabilities for retailers and the ongoing issue of underage access to restricted products. The bill is expected to move forward, reflecting a commitment to both consumer protection and support for small businesses in Oregon.