Stockton Resident’s Idea Heads to State Capitol as Proposed Law

SACRAMENTO, CA - Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom welcomed Stockton educator Madellyn Hill to the State Capitol to testify in support of AB 1713, a bill inspired by Hill's winning submission to the Assemblymember's "There Oughta Be A Law" (TOBAL) contest. Hill is the inaugural winner of the program, which invites residents to submit ideas for new state laws based on real challenges in their communities.

Hill, a Special Education Paraeducator with Lincoln Unified School District, brought forward a concern she sees both personally and professionally: students with disabilities facing unnecessary barriers when transitioning to college.

"This is exactly why we created the 'There Oughta Be a Law' program. Madellyn saw a problem affecting her students and brought us a solution. Now, her idea has the potential to help students across California, and I am happy to support it."

-Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom

Hill's idea is rooted in her own lived experience. As a student, she had an Individualized Education Program (IEP) throughout her education and faced challenges navigating school and accessing support. Today, she works directly with special education students and sees those same barriers continue for young people transitioning into higher education.

In California, there are thousands of students who receive academic accommodation because of a diagnosed, documented disability. When these students transition to higher education, too many are forced to prove they are still living with a disability.

AB 1713 Student Accommodations Act, addresses these challenges by streamlining access to resources and ensuring students can focus on their education instead of navigating unnecessary hurdles.

"I've lived this journey, and I know how discouraging those extra barriers can be," said Hill. "Students deserve to move forward with confidence and focus on their goals."

Also testifying in support was the Disability Resource Agency for Independent Living (DRAIL), which serves individuals with disabilities across the region. "When students are supported, they are more likely to stay in school and succeed," said Kholoud Rashid, Systems Advocate with DRAIL. "Removing unnecessary hurdles helps open the door to real opportunity."

AB 1713 continues to move through the legislative process recently passing the Assembly Higher Education committee and heading to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom is currently accepting submissions for the "There Oughta Be A Law" contest, giving community members the opportunity to turn their ideas into legislation for the 2026-27 legislative session. The deadline to submit an idea is September 30, 2026.