Law contest open to high school students

High school students from Senator Jeff Stone’s 28th California Senate District are being encouraged to propose legislation that may become law in California.

“There ought to be a law” is open to all high school students in grades 9 through 12 in the 28th Senate District. The contest encourages students to submit ideas for improving the quality of life in Riverside County and the State of California.

“By asking our high school students to propose new laws, I am hoping to tap into their bright, inquisitive minds and also to inspire them to get involved in politics and public service,” Senator Stone said. “I am looking for proposed legislation that addresses issues on both the local and statewide level.”

People of all ages are always welcome to submit proposals for new legislation to Senator Stone’s office. The best laws often come from the ideas and experiences of working families, small business owners, senior citizens, veterans and others.

The deadline for students to submit their proposed legislation is Dec 20. The entry form can be filled out online at senate.ca.gov/stone.

“I will choose at least one of the entries and begin the process of creating legislation to be considered by the California Senate and Assembly and, hopefully, signed by the Governor,” Senator Stone said.

Past winners of the competition include Roberto Ortega, a senior at Shadow Hills High School in Indio, and Alyson White, a senior at Rancho Mirage High School,

Both Alyson and Roberto were guests of Senator Stone in Sacramento where each testified before a Senate committee.

In early 2020, Senator Stone will visit the school of the author of the winning entry to further discuss details of the legislation.

The winner and a parent will be invited to Sacramento to testify on behalf of their proposed legislation.

High school principals, teachers and staff can contact John Hunneman, Senator Stone’s communications director, for additional information at 951-894-3530.

Senator Stone represents California’s 28th Senate District. The district, which is entirely in Riverside County, stretches from the vineyards of the Temecula Valley to the Colorado River and includes the cities of Blythe, Canyon Lake, Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, Lake Elsinore, La Quinta, Murrieta, Temecula, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage and Wildomar.