Regular Session 2017-2018 House Bill 1984 P.N. 2841

PRINTER'S NO. 2841

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE BILL

No.

1984

Session of

2017

INTRODUCED BY SANTORA, DEAN, READSHAW, CHARLTON, STEPHENS,

BOBACK, EVERETT, SNYDER, BERNSTINE, ROTHMAN, WARREN, HILL-

EVANS, D. COSTA, WATSON, M. QUINN AND NELSON,

DECEMBER 21, 2017

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, DECEMBER 21, 2017

AN ACT

Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An

act relating to the public school system, including certain

provisions applicable as well to private and parochial

schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the

laws relating thereto," in terms and courses of study,

providing for opioid abuse program.

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

hereby enacts as follows:

Section 1. The act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known

as the Public School Code of 1949, is amended by adding a

section to read:

Section 1547.1. Opioid Abuse Program.--(a) Beginning with

school year 2018-2019 and each school year thereafter, a public

school student shall receive mandatory instruction in opioid

abuse in every school year in every grade from grade six through

grade twelve. The instruction shall be integrated within the

health course of study required in accordance with the State

Board of Education regulations. In grades where health is

offered, instruction may also be integrated into other

appropriate courses of study. The instruction shall meet the

following requirements:

(1) The instruction shall be age appropriate.

(2) The instruction shall be sequential in method of study.

(3) The instruction shall discourage the use of opioids.

(b) A school district may utilize any appropriate public or

private materials, personnel and other resources in developing

and implementing instruction in opioid abuse. The Department of

Drug and Alcohol Programs shall make available information about

appropriate curriculum materials upon request of a school

district. In developing an opioid abuse instructional program, a

school district shall consult with the single county authority

designated by the Department of Health to provide drug and

alcohol services in the school district's area.

relating to opioid abuse for parents of students enrolled in

public schools. If a school district opts to develop and offer

programs relating to opioid abuse under this subsection, it

shall be done in consultation with the single county authority

designated by the Department of Health to provide drug and

alcohol services in the school district's area. Programs

relating to opioid abuse under this subsection shall be offered

at no cost to parents.

(d) The Secretary of Education, in consultation with the

Secretary of Health, shall develop curriculum guidelines for

instruction on opioid abuse and the laws governing opioid use

and opioid misuse. The curriculum guidelines shall encourage the

inclusion of the following elements when appropriate in the

instruction:

(1) Detailed factual information regarding the

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physiological, psychological, sociological and legal aspects of

opioid abuse.

(2) Detailed information regarding the availability of help

and assistance for students and their families with opioid

dependency problems.

(3) Detailed instruction on the need for and the role of

lawful authority and law-abiding behavior, including interaction

with members of the legal and justice community.

(e) The Department of Education shall reimburse a school

district for the costs of implementing opioid instruction from

available funds.

(f) The State Board of Education shall adopt rules and

regulations necessary for the implementation of this section.

Section 2. The following sums, or as much of the sums as may

be necessary, are hereby appropriated for the purpose of

implementing instruction in opioid abuse under section 1547.1 of

the act:

(1) $5,000 to a school district of the fourth class.

(2) $10,000 to a school district of the third class with

fewer than 10,000 students.

(3) $25,000 to a school district of the third class with

more than 10,000 students.

(4) $100,000 to a school district of the first class A.

Section 3. This act shall take effect in 60 days.

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