Legislative Bills

1. This bill would direct the Dept of Health to adopt policies to keep eligible children from unnecessarily losing Medicaid and going without insurance
2. It removes paperwork barriers in Medicaid and CHIP. Currently, if a child is on Medicaid, they can lose their coverage if their parent takes on an extra few hours at work one month- HB 210 would prevent this from happening.
3.When children are uninsured, it impacts all aspects of their life, for example they may be less likely to participate in physical activity programs or sports because parents are worried about an injury.
4. Utah has one of the highest rates of uninsured children in the nation.

HB212 actually makes some very minor changes to the much more impactful legislation passed a couple years ago, HB371 “Consent to Services for Homeless Youth.”

That legislation was in response to and involved much input from youth as well as service stakeholders about basic needs for youth in homelessness. It accomplished three purposes:

The bill resulted in youth, ages 15, 16, 17 being able to escape the streets and check themselves into a licensed facility without having to provide a parent’s signature. When we discussed the concern about admission to an adult shelter, we learned that youth are referred to a youth facility, not admitted at an adult facility, where all were concerned about the population they would meet.
The bill also removed the restriction for those who harbor minors, ages 15, 16, and 17. We haven’t emphasized this in the news media because we all recognize the possible “invitation” to predators to take advantage of homeless youth. The reality is that there are many, many young people staying with friends, relatives, and neighbors who have been subject to litigation for providing shelter. Under the new law, the person providing harbor is required to notify authorities – police, Child Protective Services, DCFS, etc. – within 48 hours of the youth’s coming to their home. We realize this doesn’t guarantee everything we want, but we know it has allowed much more safety than before for kids as well as those providing a place in their homes. As a teacher, I have heard regularly about “couch-surfing” that was illegal before HB371.
A third provision in HB371 was that it allowed these minors to receive services and resources that normally would have required parent signatures. Again, the intent is not to provide or encourage run-aways, etc., but for the 2000+ kids in homelessness every day in Utah, we know more are safer and getting services than before.

This year’s bill HB212 makes a couple adjustments after discussions about improving elements of safety. 
(Info from Rep Weight)

Good prenatal health care is important for the well-being of all infants. Passage of this bill will expand the eligibility for Medicaid for pregnant women with a household income of less than 200% of the federal poverty level, thus helping to ensure the necessary prenatal care.

According to the Food Research & Action Center, research shows that a "well-nourished child who starts the day with breakfast is more likely to be at school, a better learner, and willing to participate in the classroom." This bill requires that a school who participates in the National School Lunch Program shall also participate in the School Breakfast Program and outlines a schedule for when schools will be required to use an alternative breakfast service style if needed.

Children are poorly served by this legislation. At best, the teachers will be worried about making any changes to the curriculum and will not as a result, share with students new information or new innovative ideas for fear of not meeting the stringent requirements. At worst, it pits parents against teachers, as opposed to having them partner in the education of students. Adversarial relationship, guided by mistrust are not in the best interest of students.

According to Safe Routes Utah - 

Creating safe walking and biking routes to school leads to
Improved Academics - Students who are healthy, awake and alert show improved academic performance and decreased tardiness and absence due to transportation challenges.
Physical Activity - Daily physical activity builds strong bones, muscles and joints. It forms healthy lifelong habits that decrease the risk of chronic disease and obesity.
Social Development - Spending time with family and community provides positive social opportunities.
Safer Students -Traffic safety instruction and practice increases confidence and safe behaviors. It also decreases dangerous traffic congestion during pickup and drop-off.
Cleaner Air - Walking and biking to school reduces the need for bus services and idling cars during pickup and drop-off.
Saves Time and Money - When you avoid driving your kids to school, you save on gasoline and wear and tear on your car.