Requests the Department of Health and Hospitals and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to submit jointly a report to the legislature regarding the availability of water for student consumption at elementary and secondary schools.
Impact
The resolution aims to gather essential data about the accessibility and maintenance of drinking water facilities within Louisiana schools. By identifying deficiencies in water availability, the findings could lead to legislative or administrative actions aiming to enhance students' health and wellbeing. The report is expected to provide insights that could inform policy decisions regarding health regulations in educational environments, as well as compliance with federal standards set forth in the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010.
Summary
SCR96 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution proposed by Senator Heitmeier, which urges the Department of Health and Hospitals and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to jointly assess water accessibility in Louisiana schools. The resolution highlights the vital role of water in promoting physical and cognitive health among children and underlines the existing issues regarding the availability and quality of drinking water in schools. It calls for the assessment to evaluate the current state of water access and to propose methods for improving water consumption among students, particularly during meal times.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SCR96 appears to be positive, emphasizing the importance of ensuring adequate hydration for children in educational settings. The proposal resonates well with health advocates and educators who recognize the connection between hydration, cognitive performance, and overall student health. There seems to be a broad agreement that improving water access in schools is necessary for the betterment of student health, although detailed discussions on implementation are likely to follow the initial assessment.
Contention
While SCR96 broadly supports the need for improved access to water in schools, potential points of contention may arise during the implementation phase. Discussions could center around the methods in which schools provide water, the resources allocated for repairs and maintenance of water fountains, and the effectiveness of alternative water distribution methods, such as bottled water or cups. Additionally, there may be debates regarding the balance between ensuring compliance with health standards and the fiscal responsibilities of school districts.
Requests that the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education report to the legislative health and welfare committees on the implementation of laws limiting student access to certain foods and beverages in public schools
Requests that the Dept. of Health and Hospitals, Dept. of Children and Family Services, and State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education study jointly the coordination of mental health and counseling resources for students
Requests the state Dept. of Education and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop and adopt academic standards that are rigorous and effective for all La. students
Requests the Department of Education to establish a group to study the current state of agriculture education in elementary and secondary schools. (EG SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)