Students from Armwood High In Seffner pose for a picture with Rep. Rich Glorioso, who's helping guide them as they try to pass a bill at the state Capitol.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Some talented and motivated students from Armwood High School in Seffner are making a big impression at the state Capitol.
The students are advocating legislation that would help homeless students in Florida.
It's all part of the "There Ought to be a Law" program, which gives high school students a chance to come up with a proposed bill and then lobby for it at the Capitol.
Their bill would give homeless youth 16 years of age and older rights of emancipation so they could get certain official documents that usually require the signature of a parent or guardian.
"They'd be able to get first and foremost their birth certificate. That's a big thing so they can get a job and then get a place to stay because they currently can't get a lease for any type of apartment. Now they would be able to get their own lease for a place to stay. Social security card, school records, official documents," said student Michael Himes.
Tiara Brooks says the process has been very rewarding so far because the students pushing for the bill understand it may help some of their homeless school friends.
"They are our friends, they are our peers and it's amazing that we can stand here in represent them to our state legislators and just have them hear our personal experiences because these are people we spend every day with."
The group of students from Armwood High had a good day at the Capitol. They convinced a House committee to pass the bill. It passed on a unanimous vote.
The legislation still faces two more committee votes before it can go to the House floor for debate.
Associated Press