Nebraska lawmakers are expected to debate whether teens caught possessing alcohol should loses their driver's licenses for a time.

A legislative committee on Tuesday announced it had advanced the bill (LB258) to the full Legislature.

Supporters say teens' fear of having their driver's licenses yanked could discourage them from drinking.

Sen. John Harms of Scottsbluff says teens currently view a minor-in-possession conviction as a badge of honor that allows them to pay a fine and get on with their lives.

The lengths of the suspensions would vary, based on whether teens have multiple convictions.

A first offense would prompt a 60-day to 90-day suspension and require attendance at an alcohol-education class.