HB2398 - 532R - Senate Fact Sheet

ARIZONA STATE SENATE

Fifty-Third Legislature, Second Regular Session

AMENDED

FACT SHEET FOR H.B. 2398

~~health education; marijuana; opioids; alcohol~~

(NOW: illegal substances education; partnership)

Purpose

Allows the Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family (GOYFF) or the Department of Health Services (DHS) to partner with state and local education agencies and facility-based nonprofit youth development organizations to annually teach children the dangers of illegal substances, tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, opioids and nonprescription pharmaceuticals.

Background

Federal law defines the term controlled substance as a drug or other substance, or immediate precursor, included in the labelling for schedule I, II, III, IV or V substances, and excludes alcoholic beverages and tobacco. The list of established scheduled controlled substances is updated annually. Drugs classified as schedule I are those that do not have an accepted medical use and that have a high potential for abuse, including heroin, LSD, cannabis and ecstasy (21 U.S.C. § 802(6))

GOYFF's mission is to create a brighter future for youth and families by providing Arizona with programming, resources and expertise. GOYFF serves vulnerable communities to help prevent and address five key areas: 1) child safety; 2) human trafficking; 3) domestic and sexual violence; 4) juvenile justice; and 5) substance abuse. Additionally, GOYFF works to strengthen service and volunteerism through the AmeriCorps program and faith-based community engagement.

There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General fund associated with this legislation.

Provisions

1. Allows GOYFF or DHS to partner with state and local education agencies and facility-based nonprofit youth development organizations to annually teach children in grades 5 through 12 about the health dangers of federally defined illegal substances, tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, opioids and nonprescription pharmaceuticals.

2. Defines facility-based nonprofit youth development organizations as an organization that provides proven and tested recreational, educational and character-building programs for children who are at least six and under nineteen years of age.

3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.

Amendments Adopted by Committee of the Whole

1. Authorizes the Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family, or DHS, to partner with state and local education agencies and facility-based nonprofit youth development organizations to teach children in grades 5 through 12 about the health dangers of illegal substances, tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, opioids and nonprescription drugs.

2. Defines facility-based nonprofit youth development organization.