Legislative
Issues, Current News
Background
CASHE BOARD
MEMBERS and CASHE members have been lobbying for numerous health issues for
over twenty years. CASHE worked with the American Cancer Society, Lung
Association, American Red Cross and numerous other agencies to support bills
and laws in California. The Smoke Free Workplace Law (Cal. Labor Code 6404.5)
was supported by CASHE and now less than 15% of Californians smoke, and smoking
is banned in virtually all indoor areas. As of July
2006, nearly 20 other states have joined California for a smoke free workplace,
including 8 million New Yorkers.
During the 1990s, CASHE wrote a bill with then-assembly
member Martha Escutia (Now State Senator) to require health education for
graduation from high school. The bill was heavily lobbied and passed through
the various committees and reached the Senate for final approval. Late in
August of 1999 the bill was defeated. CASHE will again present bills to the
legislature very soon to require a full semester health class for high school
graduation.
During the 2003-2004 session, SB
71 (Kuehl) was supported by CASHE and
became law on 1-1-04. This bill consolidated most of the sex education laws and
now requires any school teaching sexual health to include information on
emergency contraception and methods of contraception. As with previous laws,
however, parents can exclude their child from such instructional units.
Current Legislation/Issues
HEALTH
STANDARDS APPROVED
BY
STATE BOARD WED, MARCH 12, 2008!
The
California State Board of Education today adopted health education standards
with a unanimous vote. Motion was made by the student board
member who talked about the importance of health education. Over
300 letters were sent to the board urging adoption plus phone calls and emails.
Next step,
CASHE board will develop plans to reintroduce support for new legislation,
depending on budget constraints, that will require a health education course to
graduate high schools.
Other Links:
Send E-Mail to
the governor. Governor
Arnold Schwarzenegger
California Bills
California Laws