by Krystal Wells, intern at the House of Representatives
Can a high school student write a law?
The answer may surprise you.
Snohomish High school students have been coming to Olympia since 2005, drafting legislation and pitching their ideas to senators, representatives – and, this year, the governor of Washington State.
“We work really hard on our bills,” said Matthew Rothering, who worked with classmate Jakob Rose on a bill titled The Bar Seating Act of 2013. “It’s cool to know that you can actually make a difference in Washington by vising the legislature. Most kids my age, even most adults, don’t know the power you have, and how important your voice is to implement change.”
The students hail from the hometown of Rep. Hans Dunshee, D-Snohomish, who always devotes a large chunk of his day for when the students come down to Olympia.
“Most high schools don’t get to do what we do and that’s a shame,” Rose said. “We are the only high school who visits Olympia annually presenting our ideas to legislators.”
Students say they learn a lot more about democracy by actually participating, as students and as advocates for their ideas, than from listening to lectures and reading textbooks.
One of those ideas became state law.
In April 2005, Governor Christine Gregoire signed into law House Bill 1246, commonly referred to Courtney’s Law.
Courtney Amisson was fatally injured in 2002 by a dislodged speaker box that struck her during a car accident. The legislation got started by seniors from Snohomish High School, and after it got passed in the House and Senate and signed into law, all stereos and audio equipment in Washington state must now be secured to the automobile.
Snohomish High’s continuing success in Olympia is derived from their school’s curriculum—in particular, their Government program. Students will gain hands-on experience at the capitol. Their exposure to a professional environment instills a sense of pride in their community and continued efforts for voicing the needs of their community.
“This is what democracy is all about,” Dunshee said. “They identify problems like drunk driving, do the research, draft legislation – then actually meet with lawmakers and staff to talk about it. Every year, I’m impressed by how hard they work on these ideas.”
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Laws drafted by students at Snohomish High School
Here’s a sample of some of the ideas that students researched, drafted into legislation and pitched to lawmakers – and the governor – at the state capitol.
Genetically Modified Organisms (G.M.O.) Labeling Act of 2013 (by Kamon Harrell) — To inform the general public of what is in the food they are eating.
Highway and Interstate Illumination Act (by Ryan Farrens, Reece Goetz and Taylor Williamson) — To save lives and to make another safety precaution on the state highways and interstates mandatory.
Certified Used of Assault Rifles (by David Johnson and Cameron Duran) — Requiring future assault rifle owners to take and pass a certified test before they are allowed to purchase the rifle.
Tinted Windows for Bikini Stands Act of 2013 (by Bailey Toupin, Kylene Roken and Lan Nguyen)—To reduce distraction on the road to prevent accidents, and to keep the viewing of employees to intended audience.
Education Tax Exemption Act of 2013 (by Colin Laufmann & Christian Linder) — To exempt public school districts from paying retail sales tax.
Alcohol Theft Reduction Act of 2013 (by Jordan Ondras and Dakota Fergin) — To ensure the state and local government don’t lose money and prevent underage drinking.
Criminal Community Service Act of 2013 (by Amber Megis and Hannah Smith) — To improve community by establishing a relationship between it and the criminals who have affected it in order to prevent crime and make the people who have hurt the community restore it in some form of community service.
Pregnant Parking Act of 2013 (by Maggie Kacey, Sheyla Frausto and Damian Wagner) — To ease everyday activities of pregnant women while sourcing revenues for Washington state.
Bar Seating Act of 2013 (by Jakob Rose and Matthew Rothering) — To permit persons eighteen years old and above to accommodate a seat at an establishment that sells alcoholic beverages but not drink them.
The Ike Bill of 2013 (by Kieren Raney, Troy McCarty and Tanner Perry) — To allow a Special Education sports waiver after their four years of eligibility through the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association.