CA Legislature Returns to Several Consequential Bills
After a month-long summer recess, the California State Legislature resumed its legislative session this week, moving several consequential bills to the tentative Suspense File.
The key Senate Appropriations Committee heard testimony on SB 14, the bill that would make trafficking a “serious felony” in California, but then moved the bill into the suspense file – a procedural move for proposed legislation that will cost the state in excess of $150K.
SB 407, which would require all foster families to support gender-affirming care, was also placed on the suspense file, as was SB 2, the bill prohibiting concealed carry in sensitive spaces, including schools, houses of worship, parks, and stadiums.
On the docket for the committee is still AB 1432, which would require out-of-state health insurance plans to provide abortion and gender transition coverage.
The Sen. Appropriations Committee did move SB 385, which would allow physician assistants to perform abortions without physician oversight and alter training requirements. That bill now heads to the Senate Floor.
Please watch for alerts on these and other bills as the last month of the session draws to a close. For more information on these bills and others, click here.
School Opt-Out Info for Public School Parents and Guardians
Students all over the state are returning to school, and now is an excellent time for parents to research and review the opt-out options that are available for specific curricula in public schools.
According to California law:
- A parent/guardian has the right to examine the curriculum materials of any class his/her child will attend. (Ed. Code 51101, 51938)
- If any part of a school’s instruction in health conflicts with the religious training and beliefs (including moral convictions) of the parent/guardian, the student shall be excused from the part of the instruction that is in conflict with the parent/guardian’s religious training or beliefs. (Ed. Code 51240)
- In grades 1 through 12, a school may not administer a test or questionnaire/survey with questions about personal beliefs or practices of the pupil (or their parents/guardians), on sex, family life, morality, and religion, unless the parent is notified in advance, in writing, and affirmatively gives permission for the child to participate. (Ed. Code 51513)
- A parent/guardian of a pupil (in grades 7 through 12) has the right to excuse their child from all or any part of comprehensive sexual health education, HIV prevention education, and assessments related to that education. Before exercising this option, parents/guardians also have the right to be notified about planned instruction and to review those materials before the instruction takes place (Ed. Code 51938, 51939). If a school district elects to provide sexual health education below grade 7, it should be age-appropriate, and parental rights designated for grades 7-12 are in effect.
Click here for more links to more information.
Links for web:
Links to support parent/guardian of public-school children:
Parents’ Rights- https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/qa/pssummary.asp
California Healthy Kids Survey- https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/at/chks.asp
Comprehensive Sexual Health & HIV/AIDS Instruction- https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/se/
Curriculum Frameworks & Instructional Materials- https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/cr/cf/
Identification & Parent Notification Requirements- https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/el/t3/elparentletters.asp
Parents/ Family & Community- https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/pf/
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)- https://www.cde.ca.gov/ds/ed/dataprivacyferpa.asp
Help Victims of Maui Fires
The devastation from the recent fires on the island of Maui is staggering, with death tolls reaching almost 100, hundreds still unaccounted for, and thousands homeless. The fires almost completely decimated the Lahaina area, where many lost not only their homes but their livelihoods in the area that is heavily reliant on the tourism industry.
Bishop Larry Silva of Honolulu has requested that donations be sent to the Hawai’i Catholic Community Foundation. Please pray for the victims and the survivors of these fires, and consider donating to help our brothers and sisters in desperate need.
ICYMI: Pastoral region assignments announced for four new LA auxiliary bishops
Archbishop José H. Gomez has announced pastoral region assignments for the four new LA auxiliary bishops-elect appointed by Pope Francis July 18.
After being ordained bishops Sept. 26, Albert M. Bahhuth will serve as Episcopal Vicar for the San Fernando Region, Matthew G. Elshoff, OFM Cap. for the Our Lady of the Angels Region, Brian Nunes for the San Gabriel Region, and Slawomir S. Szkredka for the Santa Barbara Region.
Continue Reading at AngelusNews.com
New law protecting pregnant workers goes into effect nationwide
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act was enacted nationwide Tuesday, requiring employers to make reasonable accommodations for pregnant women and new mothers. CCC Executive Director Kathleen Domingo talks with NBC Bay Area’s Marianne Favro about how the new law benefits expectant mothers.