I think it is important for people to contact the legislators who represent them (in local legislatures, state legislatures and Congress), ask for meetings, and urge them to support and sponsor specific bills. If possible, it is good to bring information to document the need for the legislation, such as copies of laws in other states or information about the kind of cruelty that the bill would address. If the individual has ideas but there is no actual bill, I suggest the individual put his/her thoughts in writing, present them to the legislators with supporting documentation, and ask them to introduce or support a bill. Personal visits and consistent follow-up calls are important. Also, it is often helpful to coordinate efforts with local humane organizations. They may be working on the same issue and it is productive to work together. Keep in mind that the actual wording of a bill is so important. Sometimes a bill starts with good language but is amended and, if passed, would not accomplish its intended purpose. I have seen bills, such as a dog shelter bill in NY, start out with language to protect dogs left outdoors and amended to take away even the protection that dogs have under current law. For this reason, it is important to stay in touch with legislators on the issues you are concerned about to make sure that the bills once introduced and possibly amended, are helpful to animals.