NC Child Legislative Update: Mar. 16-20
Legislative Update–3/20/15
Session is in full swing now. Lots of new bills and lots of bills on the move–some good, some not so much. See below for the rundown. I’ve also included a schedule of upcoming HHS budget hearings at the bottom of the email.
New Bills
SB346, Enact Stricter Immunization Requirements — This bill would strengthen NC’s immunization requirements by expanding the list of mandated vaccines and eliminating the religious exemption for vaccines.
HB250, Healthy Food Small Retailer/Corner Store Act — This bill would allocate $1 million to help neighborhood stores build the capacity to sell fresh produce. The bill has strong bipartisan sponsorship and has been referred to the House Appropriations Committee.
HB270, Healthy Families and Workplaces/Paid Sick Leave — This bill would require all employers to provide paid sick leave to employees. This important bill is unlikely to see much movement because it lacks bipartisan support.
SB 297, Prenatal Narcotic Drug Use/Criminal Offense — This bill would subject women who use narcotics during pregnancy to criminal assualt charges. While we agree that it is important for expecting mothers to be drug-free, criminal prosecution is not an effective strategy for dealing with addiction and will not assist the mother in preparing to be an effective parent. The bill has been referred to the Senate Rules Committee.
SB331, Juvenile Code Reform — This bill includes a variety of code revisions with the purpose of improving due process, confinement, and reentry of juveniles. This bill is on NC Child’s legislative agenda and has been referred to the Senate Rules Committee.
H295, Juvenile Media Release — This bill would allow the Department of Public Safety to assess the potential threat of an escaped juvenile before posting public information about the situation.
SB298, School Bus Cameras/Civil Penalities — This bill was recommended by the Child Fatality Task Force and would allow counties to assess civil penalties for passing stopped school buses by installing cameras on the buses. The bill has been referred to the Senate Rules Committee.
SB343, Student Assault on Teacher/Felony Offense — This bill would make it a felony offense for any student 16 or older to assault a school employee.
Bills on the Move
HB82, Execution/Nonsecure Custody Order/Child Abuse — This bill clarifies that law enforcement can enter private property to take physical custody of a child abuse victim. The bill passed the Judiciary III Committee early in the week is scheduled to be on the House floor next week.
HB158, Jim Fulghum Teen Skin Cancer Prevention Act — This bill would ban the use of tanning beds by teens under the age of 18. The bill passed the House Health Committee last week and was scheduled for a vote in the full House this week, but was unexpectedly removed from the calendar and referred to the Regulatory Reform Committee.
SB114, Custodial Parent/Party Cooperate w/ Child Suppport (House Companion Bill: HB120) — This bill requires DHHS to develop a plan requiring a parent to cooperate with county Child Support services programs as a condition of receiving child care subsidy payments. This bill passed the Senate on Wednesday.
HB13, Amend School Health Assessment Requirement — This bill would require all students admitted to NC public schools for the first time to show proof of a recent health assessment and would deny access to students if they don’t receive an assessment within 60 days of entry. This bill passed an initial reading in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, but a final vote was postponed until next week.
Other Bills
SB272, Eliminate Personal Ed. Plans
HB134, Soliciting Prostitution/Immunity for Minors
HB187 / SB238, Stalking by GPS/Criminal Offense
S286, Regulate the Sale of E-Liquid Containers
HHS Budget Hearings
As I’ve mentioned in previous updates, the House and Senate HHS Appropriations Subcommittees have announced a shift in their budgeting strategy with the intention of investing in long-term results for children 0-5. Here’s a quick rundown of what they’ll be covering in committee hearings over the next couple of weeks:
–“How North Carolina Pays Providers.” — (3/19 & 3/24)
–“Medical Payments for Pregnant Women and Infants/Cost Analysis of High Risk Deliveries/Preterm Births.” — (3/25)
–“North Carolina Public Health Programs for Children, Ages 0 – 5.” — (3/26)
–“How Can North Carolina Improve Birth Outcomes Through Evidence-Based Practices.” — (3/31)
–“North Carolina Family Support Programs for Children, Ages 0 – 5.” (includes child care subsidy, smart start, pre-k) — (4/1 and 4/2)