CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - Using a computerized color slide show, students from Cody High School made their pitch Monday morning for a legislative crackdown on alcoholic parties for teenagers hosted by adults.

"We feel there is a large problem not only in our community but also throughout the state," said Melissa Cunningham, a Cody senior.

The youth leaders offered support for House Bill 66, which would create a misdemeanor for anyone - owner or renter - who allows an open house party in which alcohol or illegal drugs are possessed or consumed by minors.

HB66, sponsored by Rep. Colin Simpson, R-Cody, would impose a penalty of up to 90 days in jail and up to a $500 fine, or both.

Another Cody senior, Kinsey Nielson, spoke of research showing underage drinking can lead to alcoholism later. She cited a recent survey indicating Wyoming ranks first in the nation in the percentage of children who have consumed alcohol before age 13 (34.7 percent vs. a national rate of 27.8 percent).

Many parents who host keg parties view the home as a safe venue, she said.

"In essence, all you're saying is it's OK to drink," she said. "We need to get the right message across that under no circumstance is it acceptable."

Wyoming first lady Nancy Freudenthal, with Gov. Dave Freudenthal sitting nearby, told the House Judiciary Committee of a Torrington liquor retailer who told her of the types of requests he routinely receives.

"He gets a number of calls from parents wanting to buy kegs in order to host parties for kids," she said.

The businessman declines such requests and tries to discourage the callers from hosting such gatherings.

Mrs. Freudenthal said she attended a forum in Douglas in which roughly half the concerns focused on the problem.

"Many times these parties are difficult to find in these rural Wyoming communities," she said.

Reps. Jack Landon, R-Sheridan, and George Bagby, D-Rawlins, spoke of their frustration in attempting to change cultural norms.

From football tailgate parties to TV and print advertising, children are inundated with messages promoting alcohol use, Bagby said.

"The kids are completely bombarded with the idea that drinking is the right thing to do," he said.

Freudenthal agreed but said it's important for the Legislature to make a clear statement in hopes of discouraging adults from hosting youth drinking parties.

"Adult disapproval is the key reason that kids who don't drink, don't drink," she said.

The committee was scheduled to resume work on the measure later in the day.