LANSING – A new law signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm will authorize random alcohol testing of minors convicted of alcohol crimes.

The law amends the minor-in-possession law and allows judges to order people under the 21 to submit to random alcohol testing if they've been convicted of drinking or possessing alcohol or have been placed on probation.

In addition, parents or legal guardians of minors under 18 will be able to request alcohol testing as a part of their child's probation for such offenses.

Previously, parents were not able to ask for random testing of their children, and could do so only with their children's consent.

"This is some of the best legislation Granholm has passed as far as juvenile matters are concerned," said Dallas Coleman, chief of casework services for the Oakland County Circuit Court.

Coleman said the law was long overdue.

The legislation notifies judges that ordering random alcohol testing is something they can include in their sentencing, Coleman said.

Enforcement would be carried out through court order.

Coleman said his court currently has a program that randomly tests 12-to-18 year olds for drugs and alcohol, and offers substance abuse services.

Ken Wozniak, director of executive services for the Michigan Liquor Control Commission in Lansing, said his agency wasn't directly involved in the legislative process, but any measure that reduces underage drinking is a good thing.

He said one of the main selling points of the law is the option of giving parents the ability to request random testing of their children.

In addition, Wozniak said his commission helps to curb underage drinking by promoting proper identification checks at stores and bars.

"The Liquor Control Commission has an interest in this stuff, and that's why we enforce the laws about minors using and possessing alcohol."

Ann Comiskey, program director for the Troy Community Coalition based in Troy, said random testing is a good remedy for people who have been involved in addictive behavior.

She said it could deter minors who might want to use alcohol.

"Once the risk is increased, the use tends to go down," Comiskey said.

She also said the law shows that the state takes underage drinking seriously.

Comiskey's group talks to parents and minors about the risks of underage drinking, and promotes not using drugs or alcohol.

The law was sponsored by Sen. Alan Cropsey, R-DeWitt.