Flesland, right, and another Republican, Robert Rolison, were among many legislators to support the measure

POUGHKEEPSIE – Two months after a divided Ulster County legislature adopted a “Social Host” law, after much debate, lawmakers across the river are much more in agreement, but still managed to spend almost half an hour debating the measure.

The Dutchess County version makes it illegal for “any person over the age of 18, who owns, rents or otherwise controls a ‘residence’ … or ‘dwelling’ … to knowingly allow the consumption of alcohol or alcoholic beverages by any minor on such premises”.

The legislature’s youngest member, Angela Flesland, says the measure is very much needed.  She noted one impetus was the death of two young people in a drunk driving crash.

“The grand jury found that they couldn’t prosecute the people who allowed it to happen.  This will allow Dutchess County to have that recourse.”

Flesland, still a student at Marist College, questioned whether as written, the law would apply to college dorms.  The legislature’s legal counsel was not present to render an opinion.

The measure was approved by the Public Safety Committee, with one abstention.  A vote by the full legislature could come next Monday.

Legislator Marge Horton urged quick passage and publicity of the law, because of the prom and graduation parties in the next few weeks.