"There is a growing problem with underage drinking in the state, and we need to make sure that students know the dangers of alcohol and the consequences," Rafferty said.

Penn State does not have such severe penalties for second and third offenses, said Judicial Affairs Associate Director Karen Feldbaum.

She added that implementing those penalties would be a big change.

"Right now, we don't automatically expel students for alcohol," Feldbaum said.

Penn State spokesman Bill Mahon said the bill raises some interesting questions.

"If a 19 year old is caught drinking a beer, the next time he does it he'll be kicked out for a year? That is something to think about," Mahon said.

Another bill Rafferty is sponsoring is Senate Bill 620, which would allow the state to suspend the driver's licenses of adults who knowingly supply alcohol to minors.

Rafferty, chairman of the Senate Law and Justice Committee, said underage drinking can be reduced if adults who buy alcohol for minors are penalized more severely.

"Sixty-five percent of underage drinking arrests are traced back to an adult buying the alcohol. By taking away their driver's licenses, adults will be less likely to supply the alcohol in the first place," Rafferty said.

State College Police Sgt. Mark Argiro said the bill might deter adults from buying alcohol for minors.

"For someone who has to work, someone with responsibilities, a license suspension would hit pretty hard," Argiro said.

However, Rebecca Shaver, Pennsylvania executive director for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, said the bill is not tough enough on adults who provide alcohol to minors.

"It has absolutely no teeth in it at all. The license suspension is just a slap on the wrist," Shaver said.

She added that by suspending driver's licenses for a non-driving offense, the bill might water down the effectiveness of license suspensions.

Mark Meyer, chief of staff for Rafferty, said the Senate will probably act on the bills after a series of hearings about the problem are held around the state. Members of the Senate Law and Justice Committee and the House Liquor Control Committee will be at the first hearing, which will be held at Temple University on Monday.