SB 650 – The Deshawn Jagwan Act in Texas, USA. Are you prepared?
Starting September 1, 2025, the State of Texas will begin enforcing SB 650, The Deshawn Jagwan Act. This law requires all convenience stores, grocery stores, gas stations, and supermarkets selling alcohol to electronically scan every customer’s ID before completing the sale.
For Texas retailers, this is more than just a new regulation. It’s a shift in how alcohol sales must be handled, as fines and penalties will begin in 2027 for those who don’t comply.
So, what does SB 650 mean for your business, your customers, and your bottom line? Let’s break it down.
The Story Behind Bill SB 650
The bill was named after Deshawn Jagwan, a Texas high school senior who tragically lost his life in a car accident after purchasing alcohol with no ID check.
His mother, devastated by the preventable loss, advocated tirelessly for change. “No parent wants to feel what I feel, and I don’t want a parent to ever feel this,” she said while pushing lawmakers to take action.
With her persistence and the support of Senator Royce West, the Deshawn Jagwan Act was passed, ensuring that minors can no longer purchase alcohol undetected in Texas.
What SB 650 Requires
As of September 1, 2025, all alcohol retailers in Texas must electronically verify the age and validity of a customer’s ID.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) has introduced a two-year grace period (ending September 1, 2027) to allow retailers time to adapt before fines and penalties are enforced.
To stay compliant by 2027, Texas retailers must:
- Install an electronic ID scanning system
- Train staff on proper ID verification procedures
- Use scanners capable of detecting fake IDs
- Partner with a provider that meets TABC and privacy requirements
Ensuring you have an ID Verification device, such as Patronscan’s Guard +, or the Handheld 2.0, set up in your business will help retain your license and avoid additional costs.
What It Means for Texas Businesses
Whether you operate in Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, or smaller Texas towns, compliance with SB 650 is now part of doing business.
Retailers that fail to comply risk:
- Losing their liquor license
- Facing costly fines and penalties
- Damaging community trust
By implementing an ID scanner, you not only stay compliant but also protect your store from liability and reduce the risk of underage sales.
What It Means for Customers
Some customers may worry about privacy when their ID is scanned. Here’s what they should know:
- Reputable providers, like Patronscan, do not sell customer data to third parties.
- Systems can anonymize and store only what’s required by law.
- Customers benefit from knowing that fake IDs and underage alcohol sales are being stopped before they cause harm.
By choosing the right partner, you protect both your business and your customers’ privacy.
How Patronscan Helps Texas Retailers Stay Compliant
At Patronscan, we’ve scanned over 300 million identities across North America and are trusted by 2,000+ businesses from small convenience stores to national retail chains.
Here’s how we can help your business adapt to SB 650:
- Advanced Fake ID Detection
Our technology is updated weekly to detect the latest fake ID formats — keeping your business ahead of fraud.
- An Extra Layer of Security
Instead of relying solely on cashiers or clerks, Patronscan provides an automated, reliable check every time.
- Privacy-First Compliance
We meet or exceed all TABC privacy requirements. No customer data is sold or misused.
- Scalable Solutions for Every Store
From handheld scanners in towns like Lubbock or Waco, to enterprise systems for large grocery chains in Houston or Dallas, Patronscan offers flexible solutions with 24/7 support.
Be Ready by 2027 - and Beyond
Texas may be the first state to require ID scanning for alcohol sales, but it likely won’t be the last. Similar bills are being considered in other states, including California, Florida, and New York.
By preparing now, you’ll be ahead of the curve. Protect your license, revenue, community, and shape a safer world.
Act now to avoid penalties in 2027. Contact Patronscan today and get your business ready for the future of ID scanning compliance.
