Powell hosts ‘Ought to Be a Law’ competition at Shaler Area High School

Sees local high school students propose state laws

Rep. Lindsay Powell February 5, 2026 | 12:37 PM

PITTSBURGH, Feb. 5 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, today hosted “Ought to Be a Law,” a competition that encourages civic participation by having Shaler Area High School students submit proposals for state legislation.

“Seeing how policy and lawmaking work is a great way for civic engagement to stay with students as they grow older,” Powell said. “I am so proud to see the amazing work of our students as they engage with policymaking, discover the local issues that matter to them, and learn about how government can fix these concerns and work for them.”

The competition followed general themes inspired by real legislation in Harrisburg that would impact students, such as delayed school start times, mental health days for students, and anti-discrimination policies.

The winning proposed legislation from the event includes:

State Infrastructure: Sidewalks and Traffic Control, introduced by Max Post and David Plawski.
Skill Classes in High Schools, introduced by Olivia Lourenco.
Raising the Minimum Wage, introduced by Joel Searock and Quincy Montgomery.
PA Road Visibility and Safety Act, introduced by Addy Applbaum and Jaylynn Jones.
Censorship in Curriculum, introduced by Elizabeth Dunlevy and Madelyn Hannan.