88R14445 GCB-F

By: Wilson H.B. No. 3908

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to fentanyl prevention and drug poisoning awareness education for public school students in grades 6 through 12.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 38, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 38.040 to read as follows:

Sec. 38.040. FENTANYL PREVENTION AND DRUG POISONING AWARENESS EDUCATION. (a) Each school district shall annually provide not fewer than 10 hours of research-based instruction related to fentanyl prevention and drug poisoning awareness to students in grades 6 through 12.

(b) The instruction required by this section must include:

(1) recognition of signs and symptoms of mental health issues;

(2) suicide prevention;

(3) prevention of the abuse of and addiction to fentanyl;

(4) awareness of local school and community resources and any processes involved in accessing those resources; and

(5) health education that includes information about substance use and abuse, including youth substance use and abuse.

(c) The instruction required by this section may be provided by an entity or an employee or agent of an entity that is:

(1) a public or private institution of higher education;

(2) a library;

(3) a community service organization;

(4) a religious organization;

(5) a local public health agency; or

(6) an organization employing mental health professionals.

SECTION 2. Section 38.351, Education Code, is amended by adding Subsection (g-1) to read as follows:

(g-1) A school district may satisfy a requirement to implement a program in the area of substance abuse prevention and intervention by providing instruction related to youth substance use and abuse education under Section 38.040.

SECTION 3. This Act applies beginning with the 2023-2024 school year.

SECTION 4. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2023.