SB 231 SCHOOL DRUG EDUCATION

Sen Leo Jaramillo

Actions: [4] SCC/SEC/SHPAC-SCC

Scheduled: Not Scheduled

 Senate Bill 231 amends public school code to require health education for grades six through 12 to add instruction on youth substance use and abuse and the dangers of drugs. HB 231 requires classes instruction on drug poisoning awareness, treatment and provide student access to abuse and prevention resources.  

 SECTION 1 amends Public Schools Section 22-13-1 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 2003, Chapter 153, Section 57, as amended by Laws 2016, Chapter 17, Section 1 and by Laws 2016, Chapter 18, Section 1) in Subject Areas to add instruction regarding youth substance use and abuse. Subsection H(3) is inserted as follows:
(3) beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, in sixth through eighth grades, age-appropriate instruction regarding youth substance use and abuse and the dangers of opioids. Any written materials shall be in both English and Spanish. 

The department shall promulgate rules regarding the use of qualified school personnel or other entities qualified to provide the instruction. The instruction shall include the information specified in this subsection.

SECTION 2 amends Public Schools Section 22-13-1.1 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1986, Chapter 33, Section 5, as amended) under Graduation Requirements in Subsection K to require that beginning in the 2024-2025 school year each school district shall submit to the department 
a health education implementation plan including in which grade health education will be required and how the course aligns with department content and performance standards. Subsection K(3) is inserted to provide that health education courses shall include age-appropriate instruction regarding youth substance use and abuse and the dangers of opioids. Any written materials shall be in both English and Spanish. 

The department shall promulgate rules regarding the use of qualified school personnel or other entities qualified to provide the instruction. The instruction shall include the information specified in this subsection. 

 Senate Bill 231 would add health education addressing youth substance use and abuse and the dangers of drugs to the current health education Subject Areas and Graduation Requirements.