State scholarships and driver’s licenses might be denied to teenagers found guilty of drug abuse or drunk driving if a recent proposal by a state representative is passed.

The bill, which has not been assigned a number yet, was proposed Feb. 14 by State Representative Gerald Weller, (R- Morris). The bill also stated adults who buy alcohol for minors could receive a prison sentence and law enforcement officials can take an offender’s vehicle.

Weller’s proposal states teenagers convicted of a drug or alcohol offense would lose their driving privileges until age 18.

State scholarships also would be denied for the year of the offense, regardless of age, according to the proposal. Weller was quoted as saying, “Yes, this package is tough and it’s comprehensive.”

The bill was proposed to “deal with the biggest problem facing Illinois today,” Weller said.

DeKalb Lt. Ralph Leiser said in 1989 there were 10 arrests for drunk drivers younger than 21. However, there were 92 arrests for the same offense older than 21.

Leiser refused further comment about the bill.

Sophomore finance major Andria Davis said she thinks the bill is “sort of steep” and “doesn’t make sense” because it seems to single out students.

“I don’t think it will get passed,” said NIU sophomore Scott Mair, an electrical engineering major.

However, some students support the proposed bill. Sophomore English major Dennis Boynton said he supports it “because I think the laws aren’t tough enough.” He said it will serve as “more of a deterrent.”

In addition to the proposed bill, Weller said he would also like to see youth groups issue “drug free” identification cards to youths who sign an honor contract saying they will not use drugs or alcohol.