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About the Children: Policy Updates from Pennsylvania
Happy Friday, everybody! PA HB 2074 – This legislation was introduced in the House this week. It would require Pennsylvania schools to report any and all suicide attempts and completions that occur on school grounds. Currently, such reporting is optional. “In essence, we require school districts to report a criminal charge from a pushing match in the cafeteria but we leave it entirely to their discretion to report that a student has tragically attempted to or has taken their life while on school grounds…Additionally, our proposal would be subject to the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 to ensure that such reporting by districts does not…
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About the Children: Policy Updates from Pennsylvania
Happy Friday, everybody! PA HB 1653 – We’ve been watching this bill since it was first introduced back in October. The governor signed it into law this week! HB 1974 – This one’s an interesting one. It is similar to SB 1011 in that it concerns itself with the rights of victims of crimes. HB 1974 does not appear to call for an amendment to the PA constitution, however. “This legislation was considered in two prior sessions, HB 2646 from the 2013-2014 Session and last session as HB 186. During both sessions, the House passed the bill unanimously but the bill was not considered by the Senate.” It made it to the Senate this past Monday.…
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About the Children: Policy Updates from Pennsylvania
TGIF! This has been a big week in the legislatures across the country, as I’m sure you’re aware. PA S 884 – This one was introduced back in September, and I thought I brought it up here, but I don’t see it. It regards standing in custody cases, especially for grandparents. I briefly skimmed the bill, and I don’t quite understand what is new. It feels a lot like it’s pandering and trying to look good, but it doesn’t actually change anything. This was introduced in the Senate and is now in the House. HB 1388 – This is our old friend, the CHIP re-authorization bill. Predictably, the governor signed it into…
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About the Children: Policy Updates from Pennsylvania
Another week, another set of legislation coming down the pike. PA State House HB 1653 – This is a bill to include students enrolled in distance education (online classes) in eligibility for state grants for higher education. I’m not a huge proponent of distance education (but I’m biased as a former classroom teacher) but online classes make learning accessible to students who otherwise wouldn’t be able to take some of their classes, including youth who don’t have permanency or need to work during the day to make money for school. Our youth often fit into those categories, so it is necessary that online education be an option for them, without disqualifying them from…
