Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee moves bill to bar firearms at Division of Youth Services residential sites
Summary
A bill clarifying that weapons are not permitted at Division of Youth Services residential-treatment facilities — including inside fenced sites and parking areas — was presented with DHS testimony and passed the committee.
Senator Rashi presented a bill to clarify that residential treatment facilities owned or operated by the Division of Youth Services (DYS), under the Department of Human Services, will not permit firearms in certain areas — including parking areas and inside fenced sites. The sponsor said private contractors who operate some facilities and DYS staff generally do not carry firearms.
Betty Goeman, a former DYS director now with DHS legislative affairs, testified that facilities require declaration or monitoring of weapons on entry, post signage that firearms are prohibited, and would notify local law enforcement if weapons were found. Committee members expressed practical concerns about compliance (for example, legislators traveling and stopping at multiple places where carry is prohibited), and the DHS witness said parking lots sometimes sit inside fenced areas and monitoring is challenging but safety of youth and staff is the priority.
Following testimony and discussion the committee passed the measure by voice vote; the bill will go to the Senate floor for further consideration.
