How many times have you heard someone say, “There ought to be a law against that?”

If  you could write any law, what would it be?

High school students in the 28th California Senate District, which includes the cities of Blythe, Canyon Lake, Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Murrieta, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Temecula, and Wildomar, have an opportunity to propose legislation that will state Sen. Jeff Stone will introduce.

“There ought to be a law” is open to all high school students – grades 9-12 – 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,” Stone said in a news release. “I am looking for proposed legislation that addresses issues on both the local and statewide level.”

The deadline for students to submit their proposed legislation is Dec 5, 2017.

You can download an entry form or fill out the form on-line at the Senator’s website.

“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,” Stone said.

Roberto Ortega, a senior at Shadow Hills High School in Indio, was the winner of the 2016 competition. His proposed law, Senate Bill 583 – the California Financial Literacy Act – would provide young people with the tools they need to handle their finances responsibly.

Roberto was flown to Sacramento as Stone’s guest where he testified before the Senate Education Committee.

In early 2018 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.  Email him at john.hunneman@sen.ca.gov(link sends e-mail) or call him at 951-894-3530.