Assemblymember Mark DeSaulnier (D-Concord) has launched his first annual “There Oughta Be a Law” contest. DeSaulnier invites the voters of the 11th Assembly District to submit ideas for new state legislation.

“This is a great program to open the legislative session. I want the community to know that I welcome their suggestions. I need their help to effectively represent the district and know what facets of government are making life difficult. If you’ve ever thought to yourself, ‘hey, there oughta be a law about that,’ this program is a great outlet for you,” DeSaulnier said.

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

Maybe there should be a law that lets voters publically paddle lawmakers who propose stupid legislation that oversteps the authority of the state.

Download the contest format http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a11/pdf/ThereOughtaBeaLawForm.pdf