Chapel Hill Elementary Student's Bill Advances in Legislature

He may not vote for another decade, but Jacob Robinson proves you're never too young to get involved in politics.

A third grade student at , Jacob, 8, has proposed a bill that would place restrictions on the sale and growth of plants that cause economic, ecological or environmental harm or pose human health risk.

Jacob started an environmental club at his school called “Kids Keeping It Green and Blue," and said he participates in community tree plantings and clean-up activities.

"I think this bill is a very good idea because it will let people know if a plant is invasive and harms the environment before they decide to buy it," Jacob said in his testimony before the Senate Education, Health & Environmental Affairs Committee March 29.

"I love animals and I know we have to help the environment to help preserve their natural habitats," he said.

According to the bill, some harmful plants, including the mile-a-minute weed and Japanese honeysuckle, would be outlawed from the state. Retailers would be forced to clearly label other types of harmful plants as invasive species.

Jacob testified . The bill passed the House of Delegates with unanimous approval on March 23 and was transferred to the Senate on March 26.

Dennis M. Robinson Jr., Jacob's father and president of the Perry Hall Improvement Association, said that his son received a warm welcome from committee Chairwoman Sen. Joan Carter Conway of Baltimore City, Sen. Joanne Benson of Prince George's County and Sen. Kathy Klausmeier of Perry Hall.

"As a citizen, it is often easy to be cynical about the legislative process, but it is refreshing to see that an 8-year-old with an idea and a passion can make a difference," Robinson said.