Assembly members approved a bill that allows law enforcement student school backpack inspection at schools
Mexicali. State lawmakers approved a bill that allows law enforcement student backpack inspection at schools.
The bill that modifies state Education Law was previously approved by the Commission of Education, Culture, Science and Technology.
Assemblywoman Claudia Agatón, with the Labor Party, introduced the proposal that seeks to protect school staff and students.
The measure was based on a recent ruling issued by the Mexican Supreme Court that protects students from human rights violations.
Backpack inspection held by police officers was stopped after a case was filed with the Mexican highest court.
Justices ruled that inspections must comply with appropriate local legislation.
“Our children demand protection,” Assemblywoman Agatón said in a prepared statement. “Every child and teenager in our state is at risk in a place that must be the second-most secure after home.”
The lawmaker said students are taking items that put student security in risk, including illegal substances and even weapons.
Agatón considered that parents and school staff must work now in issuing protocols to allow backpack inspections.
Commission Chairwoman Dunnia Montserrat Murillo said the bill seeks to strengthen school staff operations based on the New Mexican School policy regarding school security.
The bill mandates that the proposal becomes law the day after being signed by the Governor’s office. The State Department of Education will then have six months to issue backpack inspection protocols.
Food donation bill introduced
A state lawmaker introduced a bill that seeks to provide residents with tools to donate food based on certification programs.
The proposal seeks to improve the altruistic donation of food and provide the Family Development Agency with the ability to give food assistance to beneficiaries, Assemblyman Ramón Vázquez said.
“Nobody should suffer hunger, especially children, teenagers and senior residents,” the lawmaker said. “This is a reality that we have in some highly socially backward communities that due to shame do not know how to seek public assistance.”
The measure also seeks to increase businessmen opportunities for food donation.
Baja Californians felt the impact of the pandemic, but the state is on the recovery path above other states, Vázquez said.
However, public policy needs improvement to make the state and cities work with restaurants, hotels, food distributors, markets, food processors and growers in order to allow donation of prepared food or production of excess food, while supporting collection and transportation to food bank organizations located in vulnerable communities, the lawmaker said.
At the same time, the issue requires permanent awareness campaigns to get residents involved in food donation.
Assemblywoman introduces enforced disappearance law
A state lawmaker introduced a bill that would lead to the approval of a new Law of Enforced Disappearance of Baja California, if enacted.
The proposal includes provisions to create a new Statewide System to Search for Missing People, Assemblywoman Rocío Adame said. The bill matches recently enacted Mexican law.
Adame said the fight to respect human rights has been one of the highest human issues in the last decades, especially in repressive government regimes.
The country has been fighting for decades, as well against the enforced disappearance of people. Baja California has reported hundreds of missing people. These crimes have violated rights to life, liberty, personal security, human treatment and respect of dignity, the lawmaker said.
Although the state launched a Commission to Search Missing People last year, some nonprofit organizations have criticized the results in the more than 2,000 cases filed.
“It is necessary to elaborate on local legislation that goes along Mexican law and addresses this social issue,” Adame said. “We seek to develop a legal body that becomes the adequate instrument to prevent and eradicate enforced disappearance in our state.”
The bill was turned over to legislative commissions for discussion.
Weapon use by off-duty police officers bill introduced
A state lawmaker introduced a bill that seeks to regulate the use of firearms by police officers while off-duty.
Assemblyman Diego Echevarría, of the National Action Party, said the proposal seeks allowing agents to use their weapons off-duty when their lives are under threat.
The proposal comes after several off-duty police officers were shot to death.
The lawmaker said police officers are entitled to protect people’s safety by stopping crime and enforcing laws while arresting suspects and investigating cases. This leaves police agents at constant risk while on the job.
While performing their duties, cops use police firearms as the last resource to repeal violent crime.
“From the Assembly we express our support to our law enforcement agencies,” Echevarría said. “Our solidarity is with the families of those who have lost their relatives. Competent authorities must now bring justice.”
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