Marc McCann, 11, of Green Tree thinks there ought to be doggy seat belts as a means for controlling pets while they ride in vehicles.

While that might or might not be feasible, the legislation it has spawned, if enacted, might help make state highways a bit safer.

In response to McCann's idea, which was entered in state Rep. Tom Stevenson's annual "There Ought to be a Law" contest, Stevenson submitted a bill to the House Transportation Committee in June that would require drivers to keep their dogs' heads inside the vehicle at all times. The lawmaker also wants to require drivers to restrain the animals, either with some kind of modified seat belt or in a crate or carrier box.

Stevenson said such a law would protect not only human lives, but pet lives.

"I think it's going to be a great idea because it's going to cut down on driver distractions," he said.

He's right.

But in the wake of the General Assembly's protracted budget morass, state residents might be wondering if lawmakers will inject partisan politics into this issue. The best observation at this point probably is, "Don't worry, they'll find a way."