Current Legislative Session

Promote Healthy Digital Engagement in Early Childhood Education.

Setting guidelines for screen time in early childhood education is essential for promoting children’s healthy physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development while using technology for learning. These rules help reduce the risks of too much screen time and create a balanced learning environment. VOICES supports legislation requiring the Department of Early Childhood Education (DECE) to establish comprehensive, mandatory standards for screen time use in child care, prekindergarten, and kindergarten settings.

Strengthen Alabama’s Child Passenger Safety Law.

Motor vehicle accidents are among the leading causes of preventable child deaths in Alabama. As research advances and technology evolves, it’s essential to stay up to date on child passenger safety standards. To reduce the number of preventable child deaths statewide, Alabama should adopt the new Child Passenger Safety Guidelines recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Protect & Secure Increased Funding for Children’s Mental Health Services and Resources.

The number of children and teens dealing with mental health issues has risen significantly in the last ten years. Even though the state has invested more in mental health recently, there still aren’t enough resources for children, youth, and their families. State budgets need to prioritize funding for mental health services. This should include better early identification screenings and making mental health resources more affordable for children under 18.

Urge Protection of Funding and Access to Food and Food Assistance Programs.

Support programs that provide access to healthy foods, including the Healthy Food Financing Initiative, WIC, SNAP, School Nutrition Program (or alternatives), Double-Up Food Bucks, and other similar programs designed to ensure children and families have reliable access to healthy food options.