Requires the department of health, in conjunction with the department of education, to conduct a cost-benefit analysis before a mandate relating to the health and safety of children in schools would be issued.
Impact
Should this bill become law, it is expected to have a significant impact on existing and future mandates related to children's health and safety in educational environments. For example, the bill explicitly states that it will apply to prior mandates, such as those requiring students to wear face masks. The requirements set forth in this bill may streamline the introduction of health-related mandates, ensuring that only effective measures are implemented and that their implications for child development are carefully considered.
Summary
House Bill 7885 aims to reform the process by which health and safety mandates affecting children in schools are issued. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Health, in collaboration with the Department of Education, to conduct a cost-benefit analysis prior to issuing any mandate related to the health and safety of students. This analysis will evaluate various factors including the linguistic and cognitive development of children, educational impacts, and the evidence supporting the mandate's effectiveness in improving children's health and safety.
Contention
The bill could lead to debate regarding the balance between ensuring student health and allowing flexibility in school policy implementation. Proponents may argue that a rigorous analysis will lead to more effective and tailored health measures, while opponents might view the requirement as a potential barrier to swift action in critical health situations, such as public health emergencies. The necessity of data-driven decision-making vs. the urgency of responsive health measures in schools may be a central point of contention.