BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 945

By: Watson

Higher Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been noted that young adults are especially susceptible to the dangers of misuse and abuse of drugs and alcohol, an overdose of which can lead to a medical emergency. In such a case, initiating treatment as early as possible, even before emergency medical services arrive, can be the difference between life and death. Some have suggested that college campuses have an obligation to provide education and resources to make young adults and campus employees aware of the dangers of drug and alcohol use and how to respond when an overdose occurs. To ensure that those most likely to witness an overdose are equipped to respond, S.B. 945 seeks to provide training on this matter for residential advisors and officers of student organizations.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

S.B. 945 amends the Education Code to require a public or private institution of higher education that imposes any mandatory training requirements on residential advisors or officers of student organizations to ensure that drug and alcohol overdose awareness and appropriate response training is included with that training. The bill applies beginning with training required for the 2019-2020 academic year.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2019.