State Senator Kevin Ranker, D-San Juan Islands, introduced new legislation to strengthen liquor control laws for businesses located near schools.

The bill was drafted by 17-year-old Lopez Island resident Teddy M. McCullough, who first took up the cause as a senior project at Lopez Island High School. McCullough will be traveling down to Olympia within the next month to testify and lobby for the bill.

“We have an obligation to make sure that students are protected and safe while at school,” McCullough said. “This bill takes the critical next step to insulate youth from exposure to alcohol at a vulnerable age.”

Said Ranker, “Civic education is essential for creating an informed and engaged citizenry and ensuring the future health of our representative democracy. I applaud Teddy’s efforts and courage to stand up for the public safety and welfare of his peers.”

A hearing for the bill has been scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 27 in the Senate Labor, Commerce, & Consumer Protection Committee.