April 22, 2013
Efforts to reduce restraint and seclusion should be part of a strategy for school-wide safety and should include the development of district-wide policies, training for all educational staff, crisis preparation, interagency cooperation and student/parent participation. Proactive approaches need to be used, e.g., positive behavior interventions and supports that are safe, effective, and evidence-based. Research demonstrates that the use of preventative and positive approaches is a cost-saving approach that changes how schools respond to students, improving student behavior by promoting and reinforcing desired behaviors and eliminating the unintended reinforcement of and need to respond to problem behaviors.
The Government Code – Relating to Employment
April 18, 2013
In Harris v. City of Santa Monica the high court specified that an employee must prove that unlawful discrimination is a "substantial factor" motivating adverse employment action, but did not provide detail relevant to that requirement. SB 655 would codify a definition of "substantial factor" for "mixed motive" cases that is consistent with other high court precedent offering such detail. This bill would also confirm availability of FEHA remedies intended to compensate for the harmful effects of experiencing discrimination and to deter inappropriate employer conduct.
Amend Section 12011.5 of the Government Code
April 15, 2013
Currently, Cal Govt. Code §12011.5 mandates the collection of demographic data relative to ethnicity, race, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation to be provided by all judicial applicants. AB 1005 incorporates disability and veterans' status into the list of demographic data that is collected.
Amend Section 32282 of the Education Code
April 10, 2013
SB 549 requires school and school districts within their school safety plans to better define the role of police officers on campus in order to promote effective strategies towards school safety that better support a healthy school climate and student achievement. It additionally prioritizes funding for school counselors and administrators before police officers.
Involuntary Transfer
April 10, 2013
SB 744 addresses the due process rights of youth involuntarily transferred to county community or community day schools and also closes a loophole in the discipline statute that allows such transfers even when an expulsion of a student is not recommended.
The Welfare and Institutions Code – Relating to Medi-Cal
April 9, 2013
AB 582 would improve access to CRT for anyone who requires them and who is covered by Medi-Cal, and it would also protect consumers by ensuring that CRT providers are qualified.
Comments on Proposed Health Reform Regulations
April 9, 2013
A coalition of 20 public interest and legal services groups has submitted a letter on proposed regulations related to California’s implementation of federal health care reform.
The Education Code – Relating To Pupil Discipline
April 8, 2013
AB 420 limits the use of "willful defiance" as a grounds for suspension for younger students, eliminates it as a grounds for expulsion, and, in line with existing law, require the use of other means of correction to discipline a child, at least two times prior to suspending him or her.
An Act to Add Sections 3051 and 3051.1 to the Penal Code
March 25, 2013
We believe California should treat its youth fairly. Our laws should reflect the fact that young people have tremendous potential to mature and change.
An Act to Add Section 56426.10 to the Education Code
March 25, 2013
Establishes timelines and procedures for the transfer of responsibility and records, and the provision of early intervention and developmental services, to children in foster care who move from one regional center catchment area to another.