We will periodically provide new and updated information on public policies affecting children 0-5 years. Check back for updates on pending legislation.

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New Law Requires Booster Seats for Children Under 8 Years

On October 4, 2011, Governor Brown signed SB 929 into law requiring children under 8 years to ride in a booster seat. Exceptions will be made for any child 7 years old or younger who is at least 4 feet 9. The bill came in response to new car seat recommendations from The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) ealier this year.

To read the full bill, click here.

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Autism Bill Would Provide Coverage for Behavioral Health Treatment

*Update 10/9/11: SB 946 was signed into law by Governor Brown. Effective July 1, 2012 health insurance providers will be required to cover autism early intervention behavioral therapy.

The Autism Insurance Mandate Bill, SB 946 authored by Senate President pro Tem Darrel Steinberg would require private health plan and insurance plan coverage of behavioral health treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). The bill defines the scope of treatments and appropriate service providers to eliminate unnecessary restrictions of qualified treatments. Autism Spectrum Disorder is the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the US and behavioral health treatment is the single most effective form of medical treatment for autism. Currently, health insurance companies and plans deny behavioral health treatment; stating it is an educational service. To date, 27 states have mandated autism health insurance coverage, while 10 states are contemplating similar legislation. SB 496 was been approved by both the Assembly and Senate and is now pending authorization from Governor Jerry Brown.

For more information on SB 496, click here.

To read the full bill, click here.

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Bill to Ban BPA from Children's Products

*Update 10/4/11: AB 1319 was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown. Baby bottles and sippy cups made or sold in CA must not contain BPA.

The Toxin-Free Infants and Toddlers Act, AB 1319 authored by Assemblymember Betsy Butler would prohibit the manufacture, sale or commercial distribution of infant formula, liquid, baby food or beverages in containers that contain Bisphenol A (BPA) at a level above 0.1 parts per billion. The bill would also require manufacturers to use the least toxic alternative when replacing BPA in containers. Researchers often consider BPA to be a potentially harmful chemical commonly found in plastics and other materials, including baby bottles and metal infant formula cans. The chemical can leach out of containers and into food and drink. Peer-reviewed studies have linked BPA to a number of potential health issues that could potentially impact children. If AB 1319 is signed into law, California will join eleven other states in the U.S. that have enacted bans on BPA in baby bottles and other feeding products for children. The bill passed the Senate on August 30 and is currently waiting for approval from the Assembly.

For more information on AB 1319, read F5LA’s policy pick.

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Drinking Water Access in Schools Expanded to Meet State Guidelines

SB1413 passed in September 2010 and requires school districts to provide free, fresh drinking water to students during meal breaks. A recent survey suggests that many students do not have access to drinking water at meal breaks, water is often warm which discourages consumption, and many drinking fountains are not in working order. The law allows school districts to opt out if they adopt a resolution stating they can't afford to comply. However, a new federal law takes effect in September and requires districts to make water available to all children in the National School Lunch Program. A few districts have opted out through a resolution, but many have embraced the law and are working to use lost-cost alternatives to satisfy requirements. Many of First 5 Ventura County’s preschools are located on elementary campuses and would benefit from the state and federal mandates. More information on the issue can be found in a recent article by California Watch.

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Flame Retardant Chemicals Found in California’s Children

SB 147 introduced by state senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) aims to change California’s Technical Bulletin 117 (TB 117), which requires flame retardant chemicals to be used on furniture and various bedding items. As items with flame retardant chemicals age, the chemicals often migrate into household dust, leading to human ingestion. Research has shown that children in California have far higher levels of the flame resistant chemicals in their blood, most likely due to absorption of household dust through the skin, breast milk and hand-to-mouth contact. These chemicals have been linked to various health issues. Senator Leno has introduced the bill seeking to give furniture and baby-product makers the right to make chemical-free products that also meet high fire-safety standards. SB 147 would require the Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation, no later than March 1, 2013, to revise TB 117 to include an alternative standard that can be met without the use of chemical fire retardants and does not compromise public safety. More information on the issue can be found in a recent article by California Watch.

To read the full bill, click here. 

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State Committee Recognizes Importance of Preschool Quality

In 2007, Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell's P-16 council recommended reforming existing preschools to create the type of quality experience that will prepare children to read and learn.

SB 1629, co-sponsored by Superintendent O'Connell, created the Early Learning Quality Improvement System Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee is a new State advisory body that will develop the policy and implementation plan for an Early Learning Quality Improvement System to improve the quality of early education programs. It is also charged with developing an early learning rating scale that includes features that most directly contribute to high quality care and a funding model aligned with the quality rating scale."

For information about the Advisory Committee, visit the ELQIS Committee website.