Bill > HB0902

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) 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 comprehensive initiative that equips students with knowledge and skills for healthy living, fosters resilience against substance use and mental health challenges by involving families and communities, addresses risk and protective factors, is age-appropriate, aligns with state education and health guidelines, includes drug prevention education and life skills training, and is delivered throughout the school year. To qualify for a grant, an LEA must already have an existing prevention program and submit a grant application. Each LEA receiving a grant, which cannot exceed $13,300, will be required to instruct students on avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs, and to report on the program's effectiveness annually to various state departments and legislative committees.