State Sen. Alex Padilla says caffeinated beer beverages have sent young people to the hospital because of what he calls a dangerous combination that masks the effects of alcohol. He says the products are often marketed to young drinkers.

His bill, SB39, passed the Senate on a 24-14 vote on April 25. It now goes to the State Assembly.

The bill by Padilla, a Democrat from Los Angeles, would prohibit making, importing or selling the beverages in California.

No one spoke against the bill, and there was no opposition from the beverage industry.

Padilla says the bill is similar to bans enacted in Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Utah and Washington.

From the April 26, 2011, Prepared Foods' Daily News.