The possibility of a ballot initiative to raise money to fight underage drinking didn't stop the North Dakota House from approving $100,000 in grants to discourage drug and alcohol abuse by young people.

"This is a serious problem, and it is about as serious as it has ever been," said Rep. Lee Kaldor, D-Mayville. "We need to do something about it."

Representatives voted 52-40 on Monday to approve the expenditure. The idea now moves to the North Dakota Senate for its review. When the legislation was first introduced, it sought $440,000 in grants.

"I can't help but think that it is money well spent," said Rep. Chuck Damschen, R-Hampden. "I think our returns for this kind of an investment are great."

The money would be disbursed by an appointed panel called the Governor's Prevention and Advisory Council. Its goals are to reduce drunken driving and teenage alcohol and drug abuse.

A separate group called Students Against Destructive Decisions, which has about 80 chapters statewide, is supporting a ballot measure to establish a state "responsible choices commission."

The commission would have similar objectives and would be financed by an increased beer tax, which would raise an estimated $1.3 million annually. To get on the statewide ballot, supporters of the initiative campaign face an April 17 deadline for turning in petition signatures from at least 12,844 voters.

"In my view, that is certainly enough to finance a commission," Rep. Ron Carlisle, R-Bismarck, said during House debate Monday. "If they want to take it up, get the signatures and put it on the ballot, that's fine."

Kaldor said the state grant was worth approving despite the possibility of an initiative campaign. The SADD organization would be one group that would be eligible to get a state grant, he said.

National studies have shown North Dakota rates as one of the leading states for binge drinking by young people, Kaldor said. The SADD approach, which uses young people rather than adults to discourage drinking and drug use is effective, he said.

"This is about kids talking to kids," Kaldor said. "Most of the prevention efforts that we have in North Dakota … relates to adults talking to kids."

The bill is SB2276.