SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5628

BYSenators Bauer, Smitherman, Bender and Johnson; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Establishing the youth substance abuse awareness program.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 12, 1987

Senate Staff:Larry Davis (786-7422)

AS OF FEBRUARY 11, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Available statistics clearly indicate that alcohol and drug use and abuse are serious problems among minors.  A coordinated, comprehensive education and intervention program in the common school system is suggested as one way in which to respond to this important issue.

SUMMARY:

The Superintendent of Public Instruction is directed to adopt rules to implement the Youth Substance Abuse Awareness program.  The rules must meet federal requirements for allocation of federal funds.  If any part of the Program conflicts with federal requirements, that part of the program is declared inoperative.

The SPI is required to appoint an advisory committee on substance abuse to advise the Superintendent on matters of program development, coordination, and evaluation.  The Superintendent is authorized to distribute appropriated state funds to school districts for the planning, development, and implementation of education and disciplinary policies, and for the prevention, intervention, and aftercare activities regarding the use and abuse of drugs and alcohol.

School districts interested in implementing a program must file an application for funds.  The application must include:  a letter of commitment from the school district board of directors to adopt a comprehensive policy on drugs and alcohol within six months of receipt of funding; and a copy of the district's assessment of the scope of the problem of substance abuse within the district, including use and abuse by students and the community.  A district must demonstrate how it will provide local matching funds equal to at least 20 percent of the state funds for which the district is eligible to receive and the district must provide an outline of procedures for evaluation of the effectiveness of the program.

A district must submit its comprehensive program plan and proposed expenditures for implementation of the plan.  A number of program areas may be funded through the program, including:  comprehensive program development; prevention programs; school core team development and training; identification and intervention; and aftercare.

Each school district is required to establish a school and community substance abuse advisory committee and identify the members of the committee.  The committee must include representatives of school district instructional staff, students, parents, state and local government law enforcement personnel, and the county coordinator of alcohol and drug treatment. 

School districts are authorized to file joint applications, implement joint programs, and establish a joint school and community substance abuse advisory committee.  The Superintendent of Public Instruction is directed to identify and disseminate information about effective drug and alcohol programs to all school districts and other interested parties.

Fiscal Note:      requested