Bills related to mental health services in schools, and special education services

HB85 – Children with Disabilities – Parental Notice -  sponsor Del. Luedtke

The bill would add to existing law the requirement that schools provide to parents of children with disabilities written information explaining available early intervention and special education family support services, with information on how to contact the providers of those services.  That information is to be provided at the first IEP meeting to discuss interventions for the child, and the information must be provided in the language in which the parents are most fluent.

Here is a link to the bill’s page on the GA website:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0085&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee, and is set for an initial hearing on 2/4.  As of 1/31 there is no Senate cross-file.  Here is a link to the Ways and Means committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

HB86 – Translation of IEP and family service plans – sponsor Del. Luedtke

Authorizing the parents of a child with a completed individualized education program or a completed individualized family service plan to request translation of the document into the parents' native language.

Here is a link to the HB86 bill page on the GA website:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0086&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee, and is set for an initial hearing on 2/4. Here is a link to the Ways and Means committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

There is a Senate crossfile – SB421. There is a hyperlink to the Senate bill page on the HB86 bill page.  SB421 is assigned to the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs committee and is set for hearing on 2/17. Here is a link to the EHEA committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=ehe&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

 

HB 142 – Emotional Health Awareness Programs in Schools -  sponsor Del. Hixson

The bill would require local school systems to implement programs of emotional suffering awareness, and also programs for middle and high school coaches and athletes focused on creating a character building culture in youth sports programs.

Here is the link to the bill’s page on the GA website:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0142&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee, and is set for an initial hearing on 2/11. As of 2/6 there was no Senate crossfile. Here is a link to the Ways and Means committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

 

HB713/SB494 – School Behavioral Health Accountability Act –Del. Luedtke

This bill would require the State Dept. of Education and local school boards and departments of health to develop and implement a standardized reporting system to determine the effectiveness of community-partnered school behavioral health services programs.

Here’s the link to the bill page on the General Assembly webpage:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0713&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee. As of 2/6 it does not have a hearing date.  Here is a link to the Ways and Means committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:

http://mgaleg.maryland.goEv/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

A link to the crossfile (SB494) can be found on the HB713 webpage.  SB494 is assigned to the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs committee, and set for hearing on 2/24. Here is a link to the EHEA committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=ehe&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

 

 

School nutrition bills --- and a head scratcher

Last session in Annapolis there was a large slate of school nutrition related bills perking in Annapolis - many of them getting their origins and energy from a grassroots group - Healthy School Foods-Maryland.  Here's a link to that groups website:
http://www.realfoodforkidsmontgomery.org/hsfmd.php

This year the number of school nutrition bills is smaller - focused more narrowly on transparency/notice - to require school systems to clearly list the name/brand/flavor (i.e. Cool Ranch Doritos) of the ala carte items sold to students in school cafeterias, and reducing the overall amount of sugar in the school meals served daily.  Here's a quick summary:

HB 109 – Public Schools – Food Transparency -  sponsor Del. Fennell

The bill would require schools to include on school menus a list of all ala carte items sold in school cafeterias. When ala carte items are sold in the original packaging the information would include the brand name and flavor of the item (i.e. – Cool Ranch Doritos). 

Here is a link to the bill’s page on the GA website:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0109&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee, and had an initial hearing on 2/4.  As of 2/6 there is no Senate cross-file.  Here is a link to the Ways and Means committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

HB528 – Sensible Sugar in Schools Act  - Del. Ebersole

This bill would require each local school district to add to its federally mandated wellness policy a plan to reduce the amount of sugar in school meals and ala carte items served in cafeterias.  The school districts would develop these plans based on American Heart Association guidelines, and the recommendations of a workgroup – convened by each school system – to identify best practices around reducing total sugar in school meals.

Here is a link to the bill’s page on the GA website:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0528&stab=01&ys=2016RS

The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee and is set for hearing on 2/18.  Here is a link to the Ways and Means committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:

http://mgaleg.maryland.goEv/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

Though it is not listed as a crossfile, HB528 is identical to SB65 – the Suger Free Schools Act. 

SB65 – Sugar Free Schools Act – Senator Young

Identical to  HB528 - Sensible Sugar in Schools Act. Here is a link to the bill page on the GA website:
http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=sb0065&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

SB65 was heard by the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs committee on 1/20. As of 2/6 there's been no further action. Here is a link to the EHEA committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=ehe&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

And finally -- this is one of those bills that I read and think 'that's a thing people are worried about? Who knew?'

HB349 – Java Act -                       Del. Grammer

The bill would prohibit any Executive Branch agency from banning or regulating the sale of caffeinated beverages at career exploration and development activities at public high schools.

Here is a link to the bill’s page on the GA website:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0349&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS
 
The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee, and is set for an initial hearing on 2/11.  As of 2/1 there is no Senate cross-file

Child health and safety - a variety of bills during the 2016 General Assembly session

There are a variety of bills pending in the General Assembly that involve child health and safety in one form or another --- from a variant of Erin's Law (requiring the development of age-appropriate curricula focusing on sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention), to legislation specifying penalties for youth sports coaches who fail to follow concussion awareness and prevention protocols,  and even a bill requiring elementary students to get more physical activity during school hours!

The Student Diabetes Management Program bill is also back this year - a bill that would allow students with diabetes more autonomy to manage their diabetes in school, and would also provide the opportunity for school staff who volunteer to be trained to assist diabetic students.  Currently, only school nurses and school health aides may assist students with diabetes management.

Here are some bills that focus on child health and safety:

HB29  Youth Sports Programs - Concussion prevention – coaching – sponsor Del. Chang

This bill would expand current law on concussion prevention in youth sports programs by requiring the suspension of coaches who violate concussion protocols by allowing an athlete to return to play or practice after a suspected concussion injury without adequate medical clearance. For school sports programs the Act would require the State Board of Education to establish this policy; and all local boards of education to follow it.  The Act also requires non-school based youth sports programs to institute and follow this policy.

Of interest, the fiscal note cites MCPS policy as state-wide best practices that already embody the substance of this bill.

Here is a link to the bill’s page on the GA website:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&stab=01&id=hb0029&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee, and had an initial hearing on 1/28– no further action yet.  As of 2/3 there is no Senate cross-file.  Here is a link to the Ways and Means committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

HB72 Sexual Abuse and Assault Awareness and Prevention Program - sponsor Del. Luedtke

The bill would require the State Board of Education and specified nonpublic schools to develop and implement a program of age-appropriate education relating to the awareness and prevention of sexual abuse and assault.  This information would be incorporated into the health curriculum and taught by teachers specially trained to deliver the content.

Here is a link to the bill’s page on the GA website:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0072&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee, and is set for an initial hearing on 2/4.  As of 1/31 there is no Senate cross-file.  Here is a link to the Ways and Means committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

HB198 – School Resource Officers -   sponsor Del. Cluster

The bill would require every school district to hire and staff a School Resource Officer for every Maryland public school.

Here is a link to the bill’s page on the GA website:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0198&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee, and is set for an initial hearing on 2/11. As of 2/1 there was no Senate crossfile. Here is a link to the Ways and Means committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

HB 245/SB310 – Child Abuse and Neglect – Failure to Report -  Del. Dumais

The bill specifies penalties when, during the course of an investigation into a case of suspected child abuse or neglect, an investigating agency suspects that an individual or organization legally required to report suspected abuse failed to do so.

Here is a link to the bill’s page on the GA website:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0245&stab=01&ys=2016RS

The bill is assigned to the House Judiciary committee, and is set for an initial hearing on 2/11.  Here is a link to the membership of the Judiciary committee – each name is a hyperlink to the delegate’s contact information:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=jud&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

The Senate crossfile – SB310 -is assigned to the Judicial Proceedings committee. There is a hyperlink to the Senate bill page on the HB245 bill page. As if 2/3 no Senate hearing date has been set. Here is a link to the Judicial Proceedings committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=jpr&tab=subject7&ys=2016RS

HB409 – Providing alcohol to minors - penalty– Alex and Calvin’s Law Del. Fraser-Hidalgo
This bill would increase the penalties for adults who obtain or provide alcohol to minors.

Here’s a link to the bill page on the GA website:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&stab=01&id=hb0409&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

The bill is assigned to the House Judiciary committee. As of 2/2 it does not have a hearing date, and has no Senate cross-file.  Here is a link to the Judiciary committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=jud&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

HB474 – Elementary Schools – Daily Physical Activity – Del. Walker

The bill would require that all elementary school students be provided a daily program of physical activity totaling 150 minutes each week, a minimum of 90 minutes of which must be physical education.

 

Here’s a link to the bill page on the GA website:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0474&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee. As of 2/2 it does not have a hearing date, and has no Senate cross-file.  Here is a link to the Ways and Means committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:

http://mgaleg.maryland.goEv/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

SB71 – Student Diabetes Management Program – Senator Young

This bill requires the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH), to establish guidelines for volunteer school employees to become trained diabetes care providers. Each school system would create a Student Diabetes Management Program that includes training volunteers to become diabetes care providers. Students requiring diabetes care at school must provide a Diabetes Medical Management Plan to the school. If a student’s plan states that the student may independently monitor and treat their diabetes while at school, the student may perform the authorized tasks wherever the student considers necessary, and possess and carry any necessary supplies and equipment.

Here is a link to the bill’s page on the GA website:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=sb0071&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

The bill is assigned to the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs committee, and had an initial hearing on 1/20 - no further action as of 2/6. Here is a link to the EHEA committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=ehe&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

HB771 is the House crossfile.  Here's the link to the house bill page:
http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0771&stab=01&ys=2016RS

HB771 is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee.  As of 2/6 no hearing has been scheduled.  Here is a link to the membership of the Ways and Means committee - each name is a hyperlink to that delegate's contact information:
http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

 

Less Testing, More Learning --- getting a serious look in Annapolis this year!

The sheer number of tests, and volume of time spent preparing for and taking tests, K-12 students take in their school life is getting SO much attention.  "Less Testing, More Learning" is one of the Maryland State Education Association's (MSEA) primary advocacy initiatives this year:

http://lesstestingmorelearning.com/

Many parents, students and teachers are passionate about the need to decrease time spent testing, increase time spent learning, and ensure that students are only assessed when that assessment will help inform instruction and provide data essential to optimize each student's learning.

There are a package of bills in the General Assembly this year all addressing the "Less Testing, More Learning" mantra.  Two legislators leading the charge on these bills bring a great deal of serious experience and gravitas to the issue-- Delegates Eric Ebersole and Eric Luedtke - both public school teachers.

Here is information about the testing bills percolating in the General Assembly as of 2/2:

HB141/SB407 – Education Accountability Act – Limits on Testing -   sponsor Del. Luedtke

The bill would require the State Board of Education to adopt regulations limiting the total amount of time that may be devoted to federal, State, and locally mandated tests for each grade to 2% of the specified minimum required annual instructional hours.

Here is the link to the bill’s page on the GA website:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0141&stab=01&ys=2016RS

The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee, and is set for an initial hearing on 2/11. Here is a link to the Ways and Means committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

There is a Senate crossfile – SB407. There is a hyperlink to the Senate bill page on the HB141 bill page.  SB407 is assigned to the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs committee. As of 2/1 there was no hearing date set. Here is a link to the EHEA committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=ehe&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

HB397 – Education – Best Practices in Administration of Assessments –

Dels. M. Washington and Ebersole

The bill would require the State Department of Education to develop a specific set of best practices that the State and local school districts must use when deciding whether to administer an assessment or test to students.

.
Here is a link to the bill’s page on the GA website:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0397&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee. As of 2/1 it does not have a hearing date, and has no Senate cross-file.  Here is a link to the Ways and Means committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:

http://mgaleg.maryland.goEv/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

HB412/SB533 – Education -Administration of Assessments – Notice -   Del. Kaiser

The bill would require each county board of education to provide information relating to each assessment administered in a local school system that includes the title, purpose, grade level tested, subject area, testing window, time to complete, loss of instruction time, and accommodations for students with special needs.

Here is a link to the bill’s page on the GA website:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0412&stab.01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee. It is set for initial hearing on 2/18. .  Here is a link to the Ways and Means committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:

http://mgaleg.maryland.goEv/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

The Senate crossfile, SB533, can be viewed through the hyperlink on the HB412 bill page.  It is assigned to the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs committee.  Here is a link to the EHEA committee membership - each name is a hyperlink to the senator's contact information:
http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&tab=subject3&id=ehe&stab=02&ys=2016RS

HB657 - Pre-K and Kindergarten Readiness Assessments  -   Del. Shoemaker
This bill would limit administration of state mandated 'school readiness' assessments to a random sampling of Pre-K and Kindergarten students in each local school district.  According to legislators I've spoken to, this bill addresses concerns expressed by a large number of teachers and school administrators concerned about the amount of instructional and interactive class time lost to the process of administering school readiness assessments to every pre-k and kindergarten student.

Here is a link to the bill page on the GA website:
http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0657&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS

The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee. As of 2/6 there was no Senate cross-file.  HB657 is set for initial hearing on 2/18. .  Here is a link to the Ways and Means committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:

http://mgaleg.maryland.goEv/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS