Bill > SB0821

This bill establishes a three-year pilot program, beginning in the 2026-2027 school year and ending on July 1, 2029, to provide grants to three local education agencies (LEAs), which are school districts, to enhance their substance abuse and violence prevention programs for students in grades three through twelve. A "substance abuse and violence prevention program" is defined as a program that equips students with knowledge and skills for healthy living and decision-making, fosters resilience against substance use and mental health challenges by involving families and communities, includes lessons addressing risk and protective factors for youth substance use and violence, is age-appropriate, aligns with state education and health guidelines, promotes anti-drug norms and refusal skills, and is delivered throughout the school year. To qualify for a grant, an LEA must already have an existing program and submit an application. Each participating LEA will receive a grant of up to $13,300 and will be required to instruct students on avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs, and to report on the effectiveness of their program annually to various state departments and legislative committees.