Latest news with #ArizonaCapitol
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Arizona bill looks to expand mandated reporter guidance in schools
The Brief SB 1437 aims to protect kids in schools by expanding who's a mandated reporter when it comes to abuse. The bill also lays out the next steps after a mandated reporter is informed of abuse. PHOENIX - A new bill is going through the Arizona Capitol that would crack down on child abuse cases in schools. What we know It would clarify who's a mandated reporter, and provide guidance on the proper next steps. SB 1437 would make substitute teachers and school board members mandatory reporters, require student victims to be interviewed by specially trained interviewers, and expand whistleblower protections. Additionally, it would clarify that mandated reporters must report allegations to a law enforcement agency, and school resource officers would not count. What they're saying Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell supports the bill. She says her office has noticed a disturbing pattern, saying schools are not properly handling abuse cases and that far too many inquiries end sooner than they should. "The way it stands right now, we at the Maricopa County Attorney's Office are learning of cases where a child will report the abuse to a school personnel, and the administrator or someone at the school will interview the child, or direct someone to interview the child, or tell a school resource officer, but it will end there," Mitchell said. Some teachers tell their principals instead of police, and principals interview student victims. "Sadly, what I have seen is that some school administrators are attempting to handle these cases on their own, at times sweeping these offenses under the rug, unknowingly or knowingly," said Arizona Senator Carine Werner. She says her bill will change that by providing a framework of how and when abuse allegations should be reported. "The school staff member to whom the child disclosed must be the one that makes the report. You cannot pass along the duty to report by telling a boss. You cannot pass off the duty to report by reporting it, for example, to the principal," Mitchell said. Big picture view Bridget Vega is a community advocate who has worked with these victims and wants them to know they're aware of reporting issues. "We've seen so many flaws where things were being swept under the rug, or they weren't following the proper protocol," she said. "Know that you are not alone. They cannot take your voice. If you need anything, we are here for you. We see you, we love you and we stand by you." What's next If passed, this bill would apply to all schools, public and private.
USA Today
25-02-2025
- Business
- USA Today
AZ Briefing: Citrus could find new life in niche operations; Sinema advocates for bill at Arizona Capitol; Phoenix Sky Harbor parking guide
AZ Briefing: Citrus could find new life in niche operations; Sinema advocates for bill at Arizona Capitol; Phoenix Sky Harbor parking guide Good morning, Arizona. Here's what our reporters are working on and what you should know about what's happening across the state before you start your day. Citrus remains an iconic stamp of Arizona's history and a symbol of agricultural heritage dating back to when the industry was inscribed as one of the foundational Five C's that built the economy of a young state. Now, the industry is threatened but could find new life in unexpected places. Other big stories ➤ Kyrsten Sinema returned Monday to where her political career began: the Arizona House. She touted the benefits of ibogaine to treat military brain injuries. ➤ Does the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act protect members of the military from delinquent rent bills? Find out in this week's real estate law column. ➤ The Trump administration has backed off an order that made it harder for immigrants to receive legal assistance to remain in the U.S. Here's what to know. ➤ Movies: Read media critic Bill Goodykoontz's latest movie and TV reviews, plus media columns and a discussion of the latest news and trends out of Hollywood (and beyond). Subscribe to read every Friday. ➤ Arizona citrus farms are looking to diversify as climate change and international competition threaten one of the state's staple crops. Take a look. ➤ Today, you can expect it to be very warm with a high near 87 degrees. Expect it to be clear at night with a low near 56 degrees. Get the full forecast here. Sky Harbor Airport parking guide Sky Harbor Airport parking includes premium, economy and off-site options. Here's what they cost and whether you can park without a reservation. If you like our work, please consider becoming a subscriber. Today in history Here are just some of the events on this date in the past. On this day in 1957: In Butler v. Michigan, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously that a Michigan law barring sale of books with content that could corrupt 'the morals of youth' was unconstitutional, a violation of the 14th Amendment's Due Process Clause. Associate Justice Felix Frankfurter wrote in the court's opinion, 'The incidence of this enactment is to reduce the adult population of Michigan to reading only what is fit for children.' In Butler v. Michigan, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously that a Michigan law barring sale of books with content that could corrupt 'the morals of youth' was unconstitutional, a violation of the 14th Amendment's Due Process Clause. Associate Justice Felix Frankfurter wrote in the court's opinion, 'The incidence of this enactment is to reduce the adult population of Michigan to reading only what is fit for children.' In 1986: Three days after the United States ended its support of the dictator, Ferdinand Marcos fled the Philippines to Hawaii. His successor, President Corazon Aquino, was sworn in. Three days after the United States ended its support of the dictator, Ferdinand Marcos fled the Philippines to Hawaii. His successor, President Corazon Aquino, was sworn in. In 1991: The Warsaw Pact, an alliance of Eastern Bloc nations led by the Soviet Union and formed in 1955 to counter NATO, was dissolved during a meeting in Hungary. The Warsaw Pact, an alliance of Eastern Bloc nations led by the Soviet Union and formed in 1955 to counter NATO, was dissolved during a meeting in Hungary. In 1994: Baruch Goldstein, an American-born doctor who had been living and working in the West Bank, shot and killed 29 Palestinians praying in a mosque in Hebron before being beaten to death by the survivors of the attack. Baruch Goldstein, an American-born doctor who had been living and working in the West Bank, shot and killed 29 Palestinians praying in a mosque in Hebron before being beaten to death by the survivors of the attack. In 2004: ' The Passion of the Christ,' a film about the final hours of Jesus' life, opened in the United States on Ash Wednesday. Even before its release, the film's topic raised concerns it might prompt a rise in antisemitism. The Passion of the Christ,' a film about the final hours of Jesus' life, opened in the United States on Ash Wednesday. Even before its release, the film's topic raised concerns it might prompt a rise in antisemitism. In 2020: Dr. Nancy Messonnier of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, incident manager for the COVID-19 response, told the nation to prepare for mitigation efforts to fight the spread of the disease, including canceling of gatherings, as well as shutdowns of schools and workplaces. Messonnier said the 'disruption to everyday life may be severe.' — William Cain, USA TODAY Network
