Human trafficking. Since my last update, there has not been any progress on the Human Trafficking Package that my colleagues and I introduced. At this time, we are still hopeful that we will see movement on these bills before the end of this term.
Guardianship system reforms. Last year, I led the introduction of a package (House Bills 4632–4635) that aims to reform the guardianship system and make sure that our state’s elderly population and other vulnerable peoples are properly cared for by their assigned guardians. One of the ways this legislation aims to reform the current system is by requiring professional guardians to obtain court approval before permanently relocating an individual under their care from the place they call home.
Additionally, there is a proposed requirement that would mandate guardians to visit those in their care at least once per month. The package also includes legislation that would improve court access for those that are under guardianship petitions and increase the medical evidence requirements for declaring an individual as incapacitated. We are also eagerly awaiting movement on this package as it sits in the House Committee on Families and Veterans.
Protecting recess and play. Recently, I co-sponsored the introduction of state Rep. Koleszar’s bill (House Bill 5794) which would mandate recess for all elementary students and prohibit withholding recess from students for disciplinary purposes. Recess and, specifically, unstructured play time is so important for child development. This bill has been referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
