By: Journalist Chloe Oller
Figure 1: Weir (NSU)-502 in order to restrict the access to and use of the Troubled Teen Industry
To begin the second session of the 56th legislature, House Bill No. NSU-502, also known as the “Banning Legal Child Abuse Act,” was presented to the body in the early morning hours of Thursday, April 3rd. The bill recognizes the Troubled Teen Industry, which is essentially a “boot camp” for troubled youth, for gooning teenagers, or legally kidnapping and transporting them to Troubled Teen Industry programs. These “boot camps,” per the bill definitions, consist of wilderness therapy, teen ranches, reform schools and conversion therapy.
The bill, presented by Representative Weir (NSU), strives to block parents from being able to seek treatment from the Troubled Teen Industry without the referral of a medical professional or board certified mental health professional. During his presentation, the author placed heavy emphasis on how parents and guardians are able to send their troubled youth to a Troubled Teen Industry camp for the “small” price of $2,300. Considering this, the bill aims to revoke the ability for parents and guardians to be able to hand children and their rights over to the Troubled Teen Industry.
The author said he was inspired by a TikTok about the Troubled Teen Industry and took itas an opportunity to “show the body this is something we should care about.” Following theinitial presentation of the bill, caucusing began among the body where discussion sparked manyopinions and questions from the representatives. Representative Warthan (ORU), who ultimately voted against the bill said, “If the punishment was different, I might have voted differently against the bill.” For further explanation, she said, “It has good bones, but it is a little bit counterintuitive in regards to the punishment and what the parents are trying to achieve.” Representative Governor (ORU), voting for the bill, said “I’ve heard really bad things about these camps, and if it’s just getting rid of them, I’m all for it.”
The bill passed on the floor with a final vote of 52-8. Following the decision, Weir (NSU) said, “I was very surprised that it passed. I honestly expected a little bit more contention, but I’m glad to know the body agrees with me that this is something we should be addressing.” Bill NSU-502 provided a strong start to the day, sparking a day full of discussion and debate.