House backs effort to require schools to attempt noncustodial-parent notification for serious off-site injuries

House Bill 394, described by its sponsor as a narrow, one-page bill, requires that when a student's injury at a public school requires treatment off site, the school must notify both custodial and noncustodial parents if the school has the noncustodial parent's telephone number (SEG 395–409).

The bill drew prolonged debate on the floor. Representative Rowan objected on principle to placing the burden on schools to track custody arrangements, saying "it is really sad what we ask schools to do nowadays" and that primary responsibility should rest with the custodial parent (SEG 417–426). Representative Saunders moved to remove the words "and noncustodial" from the bill, arguing many noncustodial parents live out of state or are not readily available; she said removal would avoid an "unworkable" duty on schools (SEG 433–446).

Supporters including Representative Fife and others argued the bill's purpose is to help noncustodial parents who otherwise would not be informed when their child is seriously injured or hospitalized. A substitute amendment was adopted to insert the language "attempt to notify the" noncustodial parent (SEG 582–593), which supporters said narrows the duty to an attempt rather than an absolute requirement. The floor record includes concerns about administrative and fiscal impacts, and one member urged defeating the bill and returning with a version that accounts for fiscal consequences (SEG 633–646).

In floor votes the House adopted the substitute amendment and later passed HB 394; the clerk recorded 55 yes votes and 12 no votes (SEG 669).

What happens next: The amended bill will go to the Senate. Reporters seeking further detail should consult the committee fiscal note and the sponsor's office for data on anticipated administrative costs and the exact wording adopted in the final engrossed bill.