(San Rafael, CA) - State Assemblymember Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) kicked off his first annual “There Oughta Be a Law…or Not” contest today. The contest invites citizens of the 6th Assembly District to submit ideas for new state legislation or to repeal laws.

“Some of the best ideas I hear for new legislation come directly from people in the community. If you’ve ever thought to yourself, ‘hey, there oughta be a law about that,’ or ‘that shouldn’t be a law,’ this program is for you,” Huffman said.

Each applicant will be asked to fill out a questionnaire describing the law they believe “ought to be” or a repeal of a law that “ought not be”. Applicants are encouraged to be as thorough as possible when explaining their bill ideas in order to understand the issue.

The winners may have their bill ideas introduced as legislation, and could have the opportunity to testify at a hearing on their bill in the State Capitol. They will also have lunch with Huffman, and receive an honorary plaque. “But most importantly,” said Huffman, “winners see how the bill process works and get a unique view of the inner workings of the Capitol.”

The inception of the program comes with the hopes to educate the community on the legislative process, and to give citizens in the district a new avenue to have their voices heard.

Other Legislators have implemented similar programs with great success. The bills represent an eclectic mix of public concerns -consumer privacy, highway safety, and the high price of prescription drugs.

Application forms for this year’s contest may be downloaded at www.assembly.ca.gov/Huffman. The public may also call Assemblymember Huffman’s district office at (415) 479-4920 to request a form. The deadline for all entries is January 15, 2007.

There Oughta Be a Law Contest - Application Form

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• PDF Version