The Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee backed a bill proposed by Senate Majority Leader Scott Jenkins that would reduce the penalty for underage drunken drivers but would increase the penalty for those stopped on suspicion of driving under the influence and not submitting to a sobriety test.

Currently, underage drinkers arrested for drunken driving have their license suspended for two years. SB28 would reduce the suspension to a year. However, if a person pulled over refuses the test, his or her license could be suspended upwards of two years rather than the current 18 months.

Jenkins said the result of the "Not a Drop" program on this front has resulted in more underage motorists who drive on suspended licenses.

"You do worry about forcing people underground and driving without a license," Jenkins said. We're trying to toughen this up, too. This is a bit of compromise."

Among the other provisions of the bill are a requirement for underage drunken drivers to sign a sworn affidavit that shows they haven't had access or consumed alcohol during the time of the suspension and Jenkins was open to the idea of requiring blood alcohol tests for violators.

David Montero