Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov & Canva
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
A bill requiring schools to present anti-drug and violence prevention programs is scheduled to appear before the respective Senate and House committees on Tuesday, February 3.
SB0821/HB0902 would mandate public schools have an annual “evidence-based substance abuse and violence prevention program” for grades 3-12 to “reduce tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use by students.”
The program selected by schools must meet several criteria as defined in the bill:
- Must include drug-prevention-related education that promotes anti-drug norms, teachers drug-refusal skills, and life skills training that “fosters the development of personal self-management skills and general social skills”.
- It can only supplement, not replace, any other drug abuse or like skills education provided by the schools, like the DARE program.
- Must be provided to students throughout the year.
SB0821 is carried by Sen. Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald-District 28) and will be heard by the Senate Finance, Ways, & Means Committee on Tuesday. To contact members, use the information below:
Sen.john.stevens@capitol.tn.gov
Sen.joey.hensley@capitol.tn.gov
Sen.ferrell.haile@capitol.tn.gov
Sen.jack.johnson@capitol.tn.gov
Sen.london.lamar@capitol.tn.gov
Sen.bill.powers@capitol.tn.gov
Sen.page.walley@capitol.tn.gov
Sen.jeff.yarbro@capitol.tn.gov
Sen.bo.watson@capitol.tn.gov; sen.john.stevens@capitol.tn.gov; sen.joey.hensley@capitol.tn.gov; sen.ferrell.haile@capitol.tn.gov; sen.jack.johnson@capitol.tn.gov; sen.london.lamar@capitol.tn.gov; sen.bill.powers@capitol.tn.gov; sen.paul.rose@capitol.tn.gov; sen.page.walley@capitol.tn.gov; sen.ken.yager@capitol.tn.gov; sen.jeff.yarbro@capitol.tn.gov
HB0902 is sponsored by Rep. Renea Jones (R-Unicoi-District 4) and is set to go before the House Education Committee on Tuesday. Contact information for committee members is below:
Rep.kevin.raper@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.jody.barrett@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.charlie.baum@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.scott.cepicky@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.ronnie.glynn@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.yusuf.hakeem@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.kirk.haston@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.gloria.johnson@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.renea.jones@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.aron.maberry@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.sam.mckenzie@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.william.slater@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.robert.stevens@capitol.tn.gov
Rep.mark.white@capitol.tn.gov; rep.kevin.raper@capitol.tn.gov; rep.jody.barrett@capitol.tn.gov; rep.charlie.baum@capitol.tn.gov; rep.gino.bulso@capitol.tn.gov; rep.scott.cepicky@capitol.tn.gov; rep.ronnie.glynn@capitol.tn.gov; rep.yusuf.hakeem@capitol.tn.gov; rep.kirk.haston@capitol.tn.gov; rep.tim.hicks@capitol.tn.gov; rep.chris.hurt@capitol.tn.gov; rep.gloria.johnson@capitol.tn.gov; rep.renea.jones@capitol.tn.gov; rep.aron.maberry@capitol.tn.gov; rep.sam.mckenzie@capitol.tn.gov; rep.jay.reedy@capitol.tn.gov; rep.lee.reeves@capitol.tn.gov; rep.william.slater@capitol.tn.gov; rep.robert.stevens@capitol.tn.gov
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
