LGBT history instruction
Senate Bill 48, also known as the California Gay History Law, requires all public schools in the state to include lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender contributions to society in social studies curriculums and textbooks. However, some public schools have demonstrated that they are not financially able to reprint textbooks for the 2013-2014 school year. Because of these cases, each school is required to teach the information, but may decide when and how to fulfill the regulation. SB 48 will be implemented in all Calif. public schools beginning next fall. According to Calif. Governor Jerry Brown, this bill provides students with knowledge of an important aspect of American society and history and prevents discrimination toward LGBT individuals. Many teachers believe that the law will create a more educated and tolerant society. People in favor of the California Gay History Law hope that it will assist in the prevention of bullying of LGBT students in schools and teach other students to be more accepting of these groups.
Written by Kayla Bakhshi – Staff Writer
Ban on over-the-counter drugs
Due to the growing abuse of over-the-counter medicines, the Dextromethorphan Act bans the sale of over-the-counter medication to minors. Children under 18 will be unable to purchase any non-prescription medication containing dextromethorphan (DXM), an ingredient commonly found in over-the-counter cough syrup as well as other medications. This law was drafted by the California State Senate in order to lower the abuse of these medicines by teenagers. The minors who previously mistreated the system saw these medications as a legal and inexpensive way to become intoxicated. According to the Dextromethorphan Act fact sheet, this method of intoxication is used more often than others among teens. The increase in drug or alcohol related teen driving accidents has also motivated the Calif. Senate to create the Dextromethorphan Act. Many citizens hope that with this attention from the governor and state legislature, the bill will promote safer behaviors and help ensure the inaccessibility of these medications.
Written by Danielle Padilla – Staff Writer
Voter registration changes
Assembly Bill 1436 enables same-day voter registration for California citizens in all elections. “Voting—the sacred right of every citizen—should be simple and convenient,” said Governor Jerry Brown to gov.ca.gov. AB 1436 gives Californians the right to vote with a provisional ballot, which is used to record a vote when a voter’s qualifications are questioned. It is used when a voter refuses to show photo identification, a voter’s name is not on the electoral roll or the voter registration has inaccurate information. This bill is expected to increase voter turnout in Calif. elections. Although Governor Brown fully supports AB 1436, there is controversy regarding same-day voter registration in other states. Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin is advocating an end to Wisconsin’s same-day registration, claiming that poll volunteers are overworked, the process is chaotic and there is an increased possibility of voter fraud. California’s new bill will allow same-day registration in all future elections including local, state and national.
Written by Peyton Herzog – Staff Writer
ObamaCare provisions
Two provisions to President Obama’s health care plan, titled the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, will make further changes to the American health care system. With the new year, individuals with incomes over $200,000 annually will be taxed an additional 2.9 percent. Additionally, annual pre-tax contributions to healthcare flexible spending accounts will be limited to $2,500. Furthermore, $125 million of the budget will be spent on school-based health centers and programs to lower teen pregnancy rates. Due to these provisions, college students will now be able to remain on their parents’ health care plans until they are 26. Throughout the next two years, twelve more provisions will be enacted, including a mandate that religious health care providers must provide contraceptives. This provision will prevent insurers from creating annual spending caps and expand Medicaid in several states. As President Obama’s health care system continues to grow, more Americans will have access to affordable healthcare.
Written by Allie Barnes – Staff Writer
