State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson introduced the bills she recently authored for the 2017-18 Senate session, after last week’s deadline to pass on new bills to the Senate. According to Jackson, these 21 bills address a wide range of social issues and offer amendments to current criminal trial laws.
In terms of education, four bills were introduced to safeguard the physical, psychological and intellectual state of young individuals. One of the bills, the SB 55, proposes to extend the Distinguished After School Health (D.A.S.H.) Recognition Program until further notice. After-school programs should offer healthy food and drinks for attendees while providing physical activity.
Aside from health, Jackson also aims to strengthen the power of Title IX through the SB 169. Students use the Title IX as protection from different forms of sexual discrimination and violence. The new bill will then reinforce its power by elucidating its requirements and the role that educational institutions play in protecting students.
In relation, domestic violence can be addressed by the SB 331 that would require public and private colleges and universities to be added to the definition of “domestic violence victim service organizations.” These institutions are expected to provide support for victims of domestic violence.
Technology education will be further developed through the SB 203, by means of media literacy and internet security in public schools. When it comes to the environment, Jackson seeks to address the damages brought on by the abandoned oil wells through the SB44. Medical waste, avoidance of project conditions that can harm the environment and rehabilitation of medical animals were included in separate bills as well.
Furthermore, Jackson has taken a stand to defending employee rights by introducing the SB 62 that enables workers to not only care for their sick child, spouse or parent but to take time off for an ill sibling, grandchild, grandparent, domestic partner or parent-in-law. Another bill requires employers to wholeheartedly support their employees with a 12-week parental leave that comes with health benefits.
Even reproductive freedom that touches on women’s rights and healthcare is a priority of two of Jackson’s new bills. These include the SR 9 that emphasizes the retention of current funding for the Planned Parenthood in California.
Two bills were proposed in making amendments in a criminal trial; the SB 725, for instance, aims to include DUIs in the definition of a misdemeanor for people involved to be placed in a pre-trial diversion program and be given treatment. Finally, legislative adjustments proposed in Jackson’s bills take in issues relating to controlled aircraft and extending the Emergency Management Assistance Compact for emergencies and disasters, among others.
