Ohio, Texas Pushing Copycats Of Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill
In what supporters call a "parental rights" move, Ohio lawmakers introduced House Bill 616 — similar to a new Florida law designed to stymie educators discussing gender issues with young children. Meanwhile, the Texas Tribune reports on pushback on Texas' plan to pass similar legislation.
The Columbus Dispatch:
Ohio GOP Proposes HB 616, Version Of Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' Bill
A version of the controversial Florida law restricting how teachers talk about sexual orientation and gender identity has been introduced in Ohio. Known as a parental rights bill by supporters and the "Don't Say Gay" law by opponents, Ohio's House Bill 616 would ban discussion on sexual orientation and gender identity until fourth grade in all public and most private schools. “The classroom is a place that seeks answers for our children without political activism,” Rep. Jean Schmidt, R-Loveland, said in a statement. “Parents deserve and should be provided a say in what is taught to their children in schools.” (Staver, 4/5)
The Texas Tribune:
Texas Educators, LGBTQ Advocates Criticize Push For “Don’t Say Gay” Bill
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s plan to pass a Texas bill limiting classroom discussions about LGBTQ people is being pitched by Republicans as a way to protect kids from hearing about adults’ “sex lives” at young ages. But education officials say Texas schools don’t have lessons about sex in kindergarten through third grade. And LGBTQ advocacy groups accuse Republicans pushing the potential legislation of an ulterior motive — silencing any acknowledgment, however informal, that LGBTQ people exist. (Beeferman, 4/6)
In other health news from across the U.S. —
Des Moines Register:
Iowa Legislature Passes Bill To Criminalize Elder Abuse
Iowa would strengthen penalties for abusing Iowans 60 or older and create a new criminal charge of financial exploitation under a bill now headed to Gov. Kim Reynolds' desk. The legislation, a top priority of the AARP and other agencies that represent older Iowans, would increase criminal penalties for assaults and thefts against Iowans 60 or older. It would also create a new criminal charge for "financial exploitation of an older individual" and would additionally create new criminal penalties for "elder abuse," a charge that includes emotional abuse, neglect, isolation and sexual exploitation of older Iowans. (Richardson and Gruber-Miller, 4/5)
AP:
Arkansas Health Secretary Resigning For Job With The CDC
Arkansas Health Secretary Dr. Jose Romero, who has led the state’s response to COVID-19 for most of the coronavirus pandemic, announced Tuesday he is resigning to take a job with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Romero said his resignation as the state’s top health official will take effect May 6, and a spokeswoman said he’ll become director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Gov. Asa Hutchinson did not say who would replace Romero as the head of the state health department. (DeMillo, 4/5)
The Texas Tribune:
Over 100 Children Have Died In Texas’ Care Since 2020, Report Says
More than 100 children have died in Texas since 2020 while in the state’s child welfare system, including two who died from COVID-19 complications, according to a Texas Department of Family and Protective Services report provided to lawmakers Friday. Forty-four children died in 2020 and 38 in 2021 while they were in the state’s care, according to a DFPS report obtained by The Texas Tribune. The numbers are on par with those reported in previous years. Twenty-two children have died in the first three months of this year, or about half the number of deaths in each of the previous five years. (Oxner, 4/4)
KHN:
$11M For North Carolina Work-Based Rehab Raises Concerns
An addiction treatment facility, highly regarded by North Carolina lawmakers, sits in a residential neighborhood here and operates like a village in itself. Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abusers, better known as TROSA, hosts roughly 400 people a day on a campus with rows of housing units, cafeterias, a full gym, and a barbershop. The program, which began in 1994, is uniquely designed: Treatment, housing, and meals are free to participants. And TROSA doesn’t bill insurance. Instead, residents work for about two years in TROSA’s many businesses, including a moving company, thrift store, and lawn care service. Program leaders say the work helps residents overcome addiction and train for future jobs. Of those who graduate, 96% of individuals remain sober and 91% are employed a year later, the program’s latest report claims. (Pattani and Knopf, 4/6)
