Latest news with #HouseBill269
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Abstinence, patriotism and monogamy all required curriculum under new Ohio bill
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Ohio lawmakers proposed a bill that would require public schools to teach character education, including abstinence, patriotism and respect for religious faith. House Bill 269 would require public schools to teach grades 7-12 about a success sequence for a good life, including 15 distinct morals like punctuality and respect for authority. Under the bill, dubbed the THRIVE Act, districts could also invite religious and political groups to provide after-school instruction about morality. State, federal cannabis changes threaten Ohio festival's future 'The model curriculum shall consist of the value of finishing high school, working full-time, getting married before having children and instruction in the following character traits and fundamental values deeply rooted in the history and tradition of the United States,' the bill reads. The bill is co-sponsored by Reps. Kevin Ritter (R-Marietta) and Jonathan Newman (R-Troy). Ritter said the idea came after speaking with employers and colleges about a lack of soft skills in applicants, like interpersonal skills or emotional intelligence. 'When you talk about 'soft skills,' you are really talking about virtue,' Ritter said. 'Representative Newman and I thought it was important to bring attention to these long-time American values by reintroducing them to our schools in an intentional way.' The bill lists these 15 virtues as required education: Trustworthiness, including honesty, reliability, punctuality and loyalty Responsibility, including hard work, accountability, diligence, good judgment, perseverance and self-control Care for family, including parents, siblings, and future spouses and children Kindness and generosity toward others Respect and care for human life Respect for parental authority Respect for parents' obligations to children Respect for the property of other people Respect for legitimate authority and law Respect for patriotism, service to the community and concern for the common good Respect for religious faith, morality, wisdom and knowledge Respect for lifelong marriage, sexual fidelity within marriage and sexual abstinence outside of marriage Gratitude Charity Courage The bill would also require districts to teach the success sequence: graduating high school, getting a job and getting married before having children. 'Of course, this isn't the only pathway to a happy life,' Ritter said via email. 'Many people raised by single parents are successful. But the data shows that following this formula is the EASIEST way to be successful.' Fire engine shortage felt nationwide, not just Columbus The same sequence was introduced as possible required curriculum in the Senate earlier this year, although it has not advanced out of committee. As part of the character education program, school districts would be allowed to invite partisan groups into district instructional buildings after school for optional instruction. With parent consent, these programs would expand on the success sequence or character education through a philosophical, historical, traditional or religious lens. Under H.B. 269, districts could deny groups if the subject matter is not relevant, but they cannot otherwise exclude groups because of their viewpoints, including religious or political groups. Newman said this would be optional at no extra cost for school districts, adding that 'reinforcement is key.' Some of the character traits are already included in Ohio's learning standards. Ohio's sexual education standards emphasize abstinence, and the state's social emotional learning standards include things like responsibility and respect. Columbus social media influencer pleads guilty to $20 million Ponzi scheme When asked how some of the skills, like abstinence or fidelity, relate to building stronger interpersonal skills, Ritter reiterated that the bill does not outline the only path to success, just a strong one. Ritter said the bill is 'pro-public-school' and 'pro-teacher' in introducing concepts and skills that allow students to prosper. The bill had its first hearing in the House Education Committee on June 3 but does not have a second hearing scheduled at the time of publication. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cohn introduces Workforce Freedom and Protection Act
RALEIGH — Rep. Bryan Cohn (NC-32) announced the introduction of the Workforce Freedom and Protection Act on March 5, a legislative effort to remove unnecessary restrictions on employment and promote a more competitive job market in North Carolina. House Bill 269 aims to promote fair labor practices by repealing restrictions on labor organizing, banning non-compete agreements for most workers, and streamlining occupational licensing requirements. 'North Carolinians deserve the freedom to pursue better job opportunities, negotiate fair wages and work without unnecessary restrictions holding them back,' said Cohn. 'The Workforce Freedom and Protection Act is a major step toward ensuring a labor market that provides opportunities for workers and businesses.' Key Provisions of the Bill * Restores Workers' Right to Organize — The bill repeals restrictive laws that limit workers' ability to unionize and collectively bargain for better wages and benefits. * Bans Non-Compete and No-Poach Agreements — Prevents employers from using restrictive contracts to prevent workers earning less than $75,000 from seeking better job opportunities. * Overhauls Occupational Licensing Rules — Directs the Legislative Research Commission to conduct a comprehensive review of licensing requirements that may be unnecessary or overly burdensome, particularly in industries like construction, healthcare and personal care services. * Encourages Wage Growth and Economic Mobility — The bill aims to drive up wages and create a fairer labor market by ensuring workers can seek new opportunities freely. North Carolina's economy depends on a strong and flexible workforce. Unnecessary barriers like non-compete clauses and excessive licensing requirements prevent workers from advancing their careers and small businesses from hiring the best talent. By repealing these outdated restrictions, the Workforce Freedom and Protection Act will boost competition, encourage entrepreneurship, and put more money in the pockets of working families.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
A bill on housing for transgender students passes Utah Senate committee
A state Senate committee heard emotional testimony on House Bill 269 on Thursday. The bill would prohibit transgender students at public colleges from living in dorms that don't match their biological sex. The bill, which, as the Deseret News previously reported, already received approval from a House committee, continues to generate intense debate. Front and center at the hearing were two Utah State University students — freshman Avery Saltzman and sophomore Marcie Robertson, a transgender resident assistant. The two were randomly assigned to room together. 'I would never have chosen to live on campus in an apartment with a man identifying as a woman,' Saltzman told the Senate Education Committee. '(This situation) puts women in a position where we have to decide to put ourselves at risk... or face social persecution.' 'I began receiving harassing emails and credible threats to safety,' Robertson said. 'If this legislation is truly about the comfort of cis-gender students, then it is sorely counterproductive to remove transgender people from sex-designated housing... Comfort and understanding is not bred out of shoving us in a corner. It's done by open conversation.' The bill passed the Senate Education Committee. All committee members but Sen. Kathleen Riebe, D-Salt Lake City, voted in favor of the bill. The bill now heads to the full Senate. The bill, HB269, tries to balance anti-discrimination protections with privacy concerns over restrooms, locker rooms and housing. Specifically, the bill mandates that individuals stay in rooms that correspond with their sex designation, regardless of their gender identity or even the sex their birth certificate indicates (in the case of birth certificate changes). The ACLU of Utah is opposed to the legislation, as is the Utah House Democratic Caucus, which released a public statement outlining their unanimous opposition to the bill, where they expressed their dismay with the legislation. But supporters of the bill say that the measure ensures safety and privacy. 'We shouldn't be here,' testified Cheryl Saltzman, Avery Saltzman's mother. 'This should never have been allowed to happen. 'My intention... is to protect my three daughters and every single woman."
