The National Conference of State Legislatures reports that states have taken a variety of approaches to prevent underage drinking, including passing laws that punish adults who provide alcohol to teens, universal ID requirements, and establishing underage-drinking hotlines.

USA Today reported July 18 that states have passed a total of 129 bills related to underage drinking so far in 2006; last year, 166 such bills were passed.

For example, Tennessee recently became the first state to require all beer buyers, regardless of age, to produce ID. Louisiana is monitoring online social-networking sites in hopes of intervening in planned parties involving underage drinkers.

The New Jersey State police are targeting underage drinking at concerts, while South Carolina has increased fines for adults who supply alcohol to minors.