A survey of 22 state legislators nationwide investigated what attitudes or characteristics distinguish successful from unsuccessful legislators in their attempts to pass free press legislation for high school journalists. Seven legislators successful in passing such legislation were asked 20 questions by phone. Surveys were also mailed to 28 unsuccessful legislators; 15 were returned. Results made two demographic distinctions between (1) those legislators supporting free press legislation and those not supporting it; and (2) those successful in supporting it and those not successful. The first set of results showed that supporters were disproportionately educated, members of the Democratic party, and women. Over half had teaching experience and experience as a high school journalist. The second set of results showed that those who were successful considered this legislation to be more important than other legislation; telephone interviews strongly suggested that successful supporters seemed to be more personally committed. Based on data from this study, the ideal legislative sponsor might have some of the following characteristics: personal experience with journalism; experience as an educator; accurate knowledge of high school journalism; ability to cross party lines; and experience as a legislator (someone with "clout"). Further research could determine how students, teachers, and administrators have helped to pass free press legislation. (Contains four tables of data, 24 references, and appendixes with the phone questionnaire and the mail survey.) (TB)