How to Change a Law (Without Losing Your Mind)
You Don’t Need a Law Degree to Fix the Law
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In the 1970s and 80s, a generation of kids learned civics alongside their Saturday morning cartoons. Today, that jingle still rings in our ears like a clarion call for action: "I'm just a Bill, yes I'm only a Bill." Faced with the need for real reform, we’re about to put that education to good use. But let’s flesh out that plan just a smidge.
The Irony of Reform
Generally speaking, I tend to think we have too much law. But when it comes to higher education, the laws meant to protect and fund it have created a system so rigid that competitors struggle to emerge. The regulatory straightjacket has allowed ideological capture to spread across academia almost unopposed.
So, what do you do when the law is the problem?
You change it.
So how does someone actually do this? The process is more accessible than it looks—if you break it into clear steps.
Step One: Know the Problem
Like Schoolhouse Rock pointed out, a new law starts with a problem. In our case, the problem often is existing law. State codes, federal incentives, accreditation mandates—there’s a dense legal web surrounding higher education. Here in Tennessee, as in some other states, there’s a dedicated legislative subcommittee just for university oversight.
That’s why reform starts with research. Every state has its own legal code, organized in a unique way. I don’t think anyone knows all of it, but plenty of lawyers specialize in parts of it. So that’s who you talk to if you're serious about changing something. But don’t stop there.
Law has downstream effects that might be difficult to predict, as our current situation makes clear, so also talk to policy experts, lawmakers, or informed members of the public who understand the section you're trying to amend.
This can feel intimidating, especially if you’re working with limited resources, but there are ways to find help. Nonprofits, retired professionals, and even volunteer legal networks may be willing to support thoughtful reform efforts. Be persistent. Be curious.
Draft Your Bill
Once you understand the legal terrain, write a draft or ask AI to do it. There’s no need to be perfect. You just need something concrete that others can react to and improve. If you're not a lawyer, don’t worry—your bill will eventually be rewritten by professionals. But you need to articulate the problem clearly and propose a workable solution.
Build a Coalition
Changing the law isn’t just legal—it’s social. You’ll need allies. That starts by talking to others who share your concerns. Advocacy groups, community leaders, concerned parents—find people who care and invite them to help.
All law, at its best, is a social agreement about how we solve shared problems. We may not agree on every detail, but when we engage in good faith, we can still build toward something better. That spirit matters. Especially now.
Find a Sponsor
Every bill needs a legislative sponsor—one in the House and one in the Senate. Political party is often a good first filter, but don’t stop there. Look at lawmakers’ track records. Are they focused on education? Have they championed similar reforms before? Are they respected in the right committees?
Established lawmakers often move bills efficiently, but newer legislators might be more eager to make a mark. Your sponsor becomes your bill’s champion—choose someone who believes in the issue, not just the politics.
Once a sponsor agrees, your draft goes to the legislative legal office for revision. They’ll format it to fit the state’s legal structure, resolve any conflicts with existing code, and prepare it for submission.
Into the Arena
With a polished draft and confirmed sponsors, your bill is ready for prime time. It will be assigned to committees, debated, and (if all goes well) voted on. Here’s where advocacy heats up.
Reach out to committee members. Explain the stakes. Mobilize your coalition. Ask supporters to call or write their representatives. Make your case clearly, respectfully, and often.
Expect resistance. That’s not a sign of failure—it’s part of the process. If you’ve done your homework, you can make a strong argument. If not, revise and improve. Don’t take it personally. The system is built to test ideas. If yours is strong, it will survive.
Don’t be afraid to bring in experts. If you built your bill on someone else’s research, invite them to testify. Diversity of voices strengthens your credibility. You don’t have to be perfect—just honest, well-informed, and willing to answer tough questions.
Final Stretch
If your bill passes committee, it moves to the full House and Senate. Sometimes changes in language emerge during the process—those will need to be reconciled before the final version can be signed into law.
Then comes the executive. The governor (or president, if it’s federal) can either sign the bill or veto it. A veto may feel like the end, but it can also be the beginning of your next campaign. If your coalition is strong and your idea is sound, you may try again or make it an issue in the next election.
Celebrate the Win
If your bill makes it through, take a moment. Breathe. Celebrate. You did what most people never try: you changed the rules the rest of us live by.
That’s no small thing.
And now we can say, “He signed you, Bill!, Now you’re a law!”
Further Reading
How a Law Is Passed (U.S. Government: How It Works) by Bill Scheppler
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About
Diogenes in Exile began after I returned to grad school to pursue a Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s degree at the University of Tennessee. What I encountered, however, was a program deeply entrenched in Critical Theories ideology. During my time there, I experienced significant resistance, particularly for my Buddhist practice, which was labeled as invalidating to other identities. After careful reflection, I chose to leave the program, believing the curriculum being taught would ultimately harm clients and lead to unethical practices in the field.
Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to investigating, writing, and speaking out about the troubling direction of psychology, higher education, and other institutions that seem to have lost their way. When I’m not working on these issues, you’ll find me in the garden, creating art, walking my dog, or guiding my kids toward adulthood.
You can also find my work at Minding the Campus