NC Child Legislative Update: Mar. 23-27
Legislative Update–3/27/15
The Senate bill introduction deadline has come and gone, which means we saw LOTS of new bills this week, including a new tax cut proposal. See below for the rundown.
New Bills
SB526, Job Creation and Tax Relief Act of 2015 — This bill would cut the personal income tax and corporate income tax to the tune of about $1 billion per year, according to the bill sponsors. This is obviously concerning given our state’s current inability to adequately fund investments in children. Here’s the write up on WRAL.
SB676, Autism Health Insurance Coverage — This bill would provide coverage for the treatment of Autism spectrum disorders. I have not had a chance to dig into the details of this bill and or speak with Autism experts, so I can’t speak to its merits.
SB574, 2015 Medicaid Reform — This is a placeholder bill introduced only to beat the bill introduction deadline. Bill sponsors will likely use this as a vehicle for a more substantial Medicaid reform proposal later in session. The only thing this bill does is set forth broad goals for reform. House leaders introduced a similar bill, HB372.
SB696, Medicaid Modernization — This is a comprehensive Medicaid reform bill introduced by Senator Ralph Hise, one of the Senate leaders on Medicaid reform. The bill would implement a fully-capitated Medicaid system within four years and would create the Health Benefits Authority to oversee Medicaid and Health Choice. We need to take a closer look at the details of this bill to fully understand its impact. Click here to read NC Child’s Medicaid Reform Principles.
SB703, Medicaid Transformation — My head is spinning. A third Senate Medicaid reform bill was introduced by Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger and directs the Department of Health and Human Services to implement a plan to transform Medicaid to capitated, managed care program by 1/1/2017.
SB423, Foster Care Family Act — The purpose of this bill is create a more normal family environment, reduce stigma, and improve outcomes for children in foster care. Specifically, the bill would open the door for children in foster care to participate in normal, age-appropriate activities like spending the night at a friend’s house, playing a sport, and getting a driver’s license. The bill would also allow DHHS to pursue a Medicaid waiver that would could help keep children in foster care with severe emotional disturbances in their homes and out of institutions. Lastly, the bill would provide liability insurance for foster parents.
HB358, School Performance Grade Scale (SB450) — The newly-implemented school grading scale was scheduled to adopt more stringent performance measures starting this school year. This bill maintains the current, slightly more lenient grading scale for the next two years. This is largely in response to the low grades many schools, particularly those in low-income areas, received last year. The bill is scheduled to be heard in the House Education Committee next week. Here’s the write-up on this bill from the News and Observer.
SB652, Prohibit Rehoming of an Adopted Minor Child — This bill would make it illegal for adoptive parents to “re-home” (give away) their adopted child without a court order. This shameful trend has been on the rise across the country and needs to end.
SB624, Private Schools/Firearms Amendments — This bill would allow private schools to authorize certain employees to carry firearms on campus.
SB519, Presumed Shared Parenting — This bill rewrites child custody law to encourage shared parenting in the event of a divorce or unwed parents.
SB578, Transfer Certain Abuse Investigations/DCDEE — This bill transfers responsibility for abuse and neglect investigations that occur in child care facilities to the Division of Child Development and Early Education.
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 full House 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. This bill passed the House and has been referred to the Senate Rules Committee.
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 the House and has been referred to the Senate Rules Committee.
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
SB346, Enact Stricter Immunization Requirements
HB250, Healthy Food Small Retailer/Corner Store Act
SB 297, Prenatal Narcotic Drug Use/Criminal Offense
SB298, School Bus Cameras/Civil Penalities
SB343, Student Assault on Teacher/Felony Offense
HB158, Jim Fulghum Teen Skin Cancer Prevention Act
SB114, Custodial Parent/Party Cooperate w/ Child Suppport
CHIP Extension
Yesterday, in a rare moment of bipartisanship, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act, which would extend the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for two years. CHIP provides health insurance coverage to thousands of children in North Carolina who don’t qualify for Medicaid, but can’t afford insurance on the private market. The proposal now moves to the U.S. Senate.