• Identify the goal(s) of the policy.
• Identify what the policy will do to meet the goal(s).
• Collect information and statistics to show how the policy will meet the goal(s) and address the identified problem.
  
  

• Identify and involve key stakeholders.

• Consider who will be expected to follow the policy and how to educate them once it passes.

• Consider whether other similar efforts have been successful. If not, why not?

• Note what factors might not be the same for your location (for example,state or local laws, stakeholders, community needs, etc.)

Determine if there are any concerns regarding the authority to adopt the policy.

Evaluate whether state or federal laws preempt the policy.

Investigate whether there are any other legal considerations.

• Determine who will be in charge of enforcing the new policy (and consider whether this group is a key stakeholder).
• Determine what the penalties will be for not following the policy.
• Consider what can be done to solve any enforcement challenges.

Costs

• Consider the financial cost and benefits of the problem compared to those of the intervention.

• Determine if there is capacity to adopt and implement the policy (e.g., staff time, funding for education about the policy and other resources).

• Decide how you will know if the policy is successful/effective.

• Consider whether there is capacity to defend the policy if challenged in court

• Check if any terms or rules are likely to be misunderstood or misinterpreted.

• Ensure that any expectations are no broader than intended.
• Check that definitions don’t accidentally leave out an important group or category.