Temecula Senator Announces Winner of 'There Ought to be a Law' Contest

By City News Service:

A Rancho Mirage teen whose proposal for a state bill would increase penalties for animal abusers, has won a contest that will put her bill before a state legislative committee, it was announced Friday.

Rancho Mirage High School senior Alyson White, 17, proposed SB 1395, which would double the fines and prison sentences of those convicted of animal abuse.

White proposed the bill as part of a competition put forth by State Sen. Jeff Stone (R-Riverside County). Stone’s “There Ought to be a Law” competition was open to high school students across California’s 28th Senate District, challenging them to identify serious state issues and the potential legislative solutions.

White, who volunteers at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, said those experiences guided her as she crafted the proposal.

“Since I was little, I have always been an animal lover, but helping out at the shelter has opened my eyes to the abuse and neglect that some animals faced and how forgiving these animals are,” she said. “I have seen some animals come to the shelter after being confiscated from their owners because of poor treatment and the animals are loving to humans and forgive them for all they have done to them. Animals need a voice and creating laws like these can help them when they can’t speak for themselves. This law will speak on their behalf and give them a voice.”

SB 1395 was introduced last week to the state Senate and will come before a legislative committee this spring. Alyson and one of her parents will be brought to Sacramento to testify.

“After reviewing these proposed bills, I’m proud to announce Alyson as the winner,” Sen. Stone said. “Alyson and I share a love for all animals, big and small. I’m hopeful the legislature will pass ‘Alyson’s Law’ so we can send it to Governor Brown for his signature.”

Sen. Stone will also visit Alyson’s government class at Rancho Mirage High School on Friday, March 4 at 8 a.m.

(Image via Shutterstock)