Human trafficking issues are moving quickly during this 82nd Legislative Session! CHILDREN AT RISK would like to thank Senator Van de Putte, Representative Thompson, and Representative Weber who have all filed several bills to combat human trafficking. On March 22nd, the Governor, in collaboration with Senator Van de Putte and Representative Thompson, held a press conference in Houston on this session’s anti-trafficking legislation. CHILDREN AT RISK was honored to attend this press conference in which Senate Bill 24/House Bill 7 and House Bill 3000 were highlighted. On March 23rd, Senate Bill 24 quickly passed the senate and has been referred to the House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence committee. On March 30th, House Bills 3000 and 2014 passed out of the House Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence.
Recognizing that school meals may serve as the only meal many children across the state will receive, CHILDREN AT RISK supports the Universal Free School Breakfast School Program to continue the fight against hunger. Senate Bill 88 by Senator Lucio provides students in districts where 80% or more of the students qualify for a free or reduced-price breakfast to serve a free breakfast to each student. By having proper nutrition, children will have the necessary tools to perform to the best of their capabilities while in the classroom. CHILDREN AT RISK also supports House Bill 643 by Representative Rodriguez and Senate Bill 89 by Senator Lucio which continue to provide children with much needed meals during the summer through the Summer Food Service Program.
Increasing utilization of community health workers (CHWs) is a CHILDREN AT RISK priority this session. CHWs enhance the health and wellbeing of a community through preventive care while reducing costly ER visits. House Bill 2244 by Representative Zerwas is an effort to ensure sustainable utilization and funding for CHWs in Texas.
CHILDREN AT RISK supports House Bill 196 by Representative Walle and Senate Bill 207 by Senator Gallegos which serve to improve the state’s data collection on student enrollment by requiring students who are leaving the public school system to be homeschooled to file proper documentation with the Texas Education Agency. This filing system will help provide a more accurate calculation of the dropout rates in Texas, which aligns with CHILDREN AT RISK’S goal in improving graduation rates. CHILDREN AT RISK will continue to advocate for children during this contentious legislative session and provide you updates on our progress.