My name is Valerie Reeves, and I’m writing this in memory of my son, Joshua Smith. Joshua was just 7 years old when he died in a tragic snowmachine accident. He was vibrant, curious, full of laughter—his spirit lit up every room. Losing him shattered our world. But through the heartbreak, I found a mission: to make sure no other child has to die this way, and no other family has to live with this kind of grief. ⚖️ What is the Joshua Smith Snowmachine Safety Act? The Joshua Smith Snowmachine Safety Act is a proposed bill to improve snowmachine safety for children in Alaska. Snowmachines are a way of life here—used for transportation, recreation, and survival. But without age limits, safety training, and helmet laws, they also pose real dangers—especially to young riders. Joshua’s accident was preventable. So are many others. This Act proposes common-sense safety reforms that will save lives: • Tiered Age Limits: Establish legal minimum age requirements for operating snowmachines, based on vehicle size and power. • Mandatory Safety Training: Require all youth and first-time riders to complete a snowmachine safety course before operating one. • Helmet Requirements: Require children and teens to wear helmets while riding. • Helmet Accessibility Program: Provide free or affordable helmets to children in low-income or rural Alaska communities, including Native villages, where access can be limited. 🧡 Why It Matters Every year in Alaska, children are injured—or worse—on snowmachines. And every year, parents like me are left wondering what could’ve been done to prevent it. Right now, Alaska has no uniform law to protect young snowmachine riders. This act changes that. We are not asking to take away the culture of riding—we’re asking to protect the next generation of it. This is about love. About prevention. About honoring Joshua and every child like him. ✍️ How You Can Help Please sign this petition and show Alaska’s lawmakers that you support the Joshua Smith Snowmachine Safety Act. Every signature is a voice for a safer future. Every share spreads the message. Together, we can protect our children and prevent more heartbreak. For Joshua. For your children. For Alaska. Thank you for standing with us. —Valerie Reeves