Senator Andrew McDonald (D-Stamford) was in Hartford Friday to get support for a bill that would stiffen penalties against underage drinkers and parents who allow kids to drink in their homes.

McDonald says the bill would hold homeowners responsible and accountable for allowing underage drinking. McDonald says problems occur when teenagers who have been drinking at home get behind the wheel of a car. The senator hopes a public hearing will help drum up support for the bill.

Similar legislation has been introduced before but never gained much support. McDonald?s bill will include religious exemptions.