COLUMBIA, S.C. - High school students who repeatedly cut school would lose their driving privileges under a Senate bill that has widespread support.

The bill, which targets teenage drivers who have more than five unexcused absences, sparked lengthy debate Wednesday.

It would not apply to students who are over 18, who have or are working toward their GED or students who have to work to support their family.

However, the bill does apply to students with part-time jobs. It wouldn't make sense otherwise, said the bill's sponsor Sen. Jim Ritchie, R-Spartanburg.

Sen. Brad Hutto, D-Orangeburg, questioned the need for the legislation. He said Family Court judges already have the authority to pull a student's drivers license and parents can revoke their child's license simply by signing a form at the Department of Motor Vehicles.

"The real avenue is the parents just taking the keys to the car and the drivers license away," Hutto said. The legislation could be come "an administrative nightmare," Hutto said.