Sponsor says 'Let Children Grow Act' would protect age‑appropriate independence

Senator Gabbardone presented sponsor remarks on Senate Bill 277, the Let Children Grow Act, arguing the bill would protect ordinary, age‑appropriate independence for children from being treated as neglect or abuse. The senator described contemporary "helicopter parenting" and said legislation would make explicit that "a parent, guardian, or custodian who allows their child to engage in independent activities... cannot, for that reason alone, be considered abusive or neglectful" provided the activities are appropriate for the child's age and not grossly negligent.