Juvenile Justice: Help us push this past the finish line!

EXCITING NEWS! SB 368, "Juvenile Justice" passed unanimously out of the House Committee on Courts and Criminal Code on Wednesday. If passed into law, this bill will ensure children aren't housed in adult jails, establish standards to make sure children are competent to stand trial, and create a system of automatic expungement for juvenile records.

I was there to testify on behalf of MCCOY, but there were some other very strong and powerful testimonials from others to support the bill. Click here to watch the archived video from the hearing. (Click "March 24" from the drop down menu. Public testimony for SB368 starts around the 1:16 mark.)

Now that SB368 passed the House Committee, it will be heard again before the full House of Representatives. Contact your representative today and ask him/her to support SB368 when it comes to the House Floor for a vote! 

Parents with Disabilities

SB 256, "Parents with Disabilities" passed out of the House Committee on Family, Children and Human Affairs earlier this week. MCCOY joined other disability-rights activists at the State House to provide public testimony in support for this bill a week ago.

We believe in supporting all families, regardless of disability, and ensuring that any instances of disability discrimination are prevented through proper awareness training and understanding the importance of keeping a family unit together. 

Unfortunately, we recently found out that an amendment was introduced and passed that will strip the bill of its entire original intent. We are working with other advocates to determine our next course of action for this bill, so stay tuned!

Some good news

HB 1101, "Daycare licensure exemption in declared emergency," passed its 3rd reading in the Senate and has been sent back to the House with amendments. 

HB 1384, "Civics education," passed its 3rd reading in the Senate and the House concurred with the Senate amendments that were added in.

SB82, "Mental health diagnosis," passed its 3rd reading in the House and has been sent back to the Senate with amendments.