State Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, has named three winners in his annual "There Oughta Be a Law" contest, including a plan to increase ride sharing among commuters that he will continue to back even after this year.

The ride-sharing idea (SB 425) was suggested by Liz Levy of Soquel, who was concerned about emissions from cars stalled in traffic congestion.

"So many cars on the road have two or three empty seats during commute times," Levy said. "This bill would encourage people to ride-share for their own good and the greater good, with their employer's support."

The bill would create a program that would give businesses an incentive to engage in ride-sharing by their employees.

"Commute delays sap our quality of life," Simitian said. "They lower our effectiveness and cost us all a small fortune."

He said he would continue to support the idea while he remains in office.

"Given the state's budget situation, we may need to start small," he said. "But we need to start."

Betty Lipkin of San Carlos suggested a law to better deal with syringes and other "sharps" medical waste, including lancets. As someone who suffers from multiple sclerosis, she has containers full of used syringes and lancets.

The proposed law, SB 486, would establish a system for handling "sharps" medical waste.

"There has to be a way to get rid of these containers that don't cost an arm and a leg," Lipkin said. "I've never been able to do it, and I think it is time we do something about it that's ecologically sound and safe."

"For anyone with a family member who takes insulin or other medical injections, this idea will seem long overdue," Simitian said.

The third winner, San Jose Fire Captain Ron Pomerantz, suggested a means for safe disposal of ionizing home smoke detectors, one of three types of smoke detectors in use. The ionizing detectors contain Americum, a radioactive by-product of plutonium.

The other two types of smoke detectors in widespread use are optical and air-sampling detectors.

The proposed law, SB 317, would create a program for the safe management and collection of used ionizing smoke detectors.

"I hope that we end up with a safer product and reduce the consequences of ionized detectors in our environment," Pomerantz said.

"Smoke detectors save lives, so when they break, those devices must be replaced," Simitian said. "This bill will help ensure that detectors containing radioactive components are disposed of safely."

The three winners will be able to see their bills introduced in the Legislature and have an opportunity to testify at a Senate committee on behalf of their bills. They will also join Simitian for lunch in Sacramento and receive a flag that was flown over the Capitol.

This is the eighth year Simitian has held the contest. Fourteen entries from previous years have been signed into law. There were 331 suggestions from constituents this year.

-- Don Kazak