JUVENILE JUSTICE
TALLAHASSEE — The Florida House last week unanimously passed a bill protecting teens from abuse by staff in lock-ups run by the Department of Juvenile Justice – but for many advocates, the Legislature should be putting more protections in place.
Juvenile detention alternatives gain ground in states and DC.
ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland General Assembly passed a bill in the recently completed session that prohibits juvenile courts from committing a child to the Department of Juvenile Services for out-of-home placement for minor offenses, including trespass and possession of marijuana.
EDUCATION
A two-year budget bill advanced by Ohio’s state House of Representatives on Tuesday would defund Planned Parenthood, redirect that state money to Christian-run “crisis pregnancy centers,” and impose a fine of up to $5,000 on teachers who provide certain kinds of sex education instruction to their students.
MISSISSIPPI — Education reform measures signed into law by Gov. Phil Bryant constitute real progress, business leader and education advocate Jim Barksdale said.
With committee deadlines approaching in the Oregon Legislature, lawmakers moved two bills Wednesday aimed at changing oversight of higher education.
MISCELLANEOUS
Twenty-five Baytown students will become City of Baytown employees this summer working in various departments as part of the 2013 Mayor and ExxonMobil Summer Youth Work Program.
DUNCAN — Community residents will have the opportunity to view “Home Run,” a film of hope and encouragement with scenes shot in eastern Oklahoma locales such as Okmulgee and Tulsa thanks to the efforts of New Life Church.
Sign campaign targets parents hosting underage drinking.
