Drug- and alcohol-related programs: “no unlawful use” requirement.
If enacted, AB1129 will maintain the existing restrictions on state funding for drug and alcohol programs but will address any ambiguities in the current language. The bill underscores an ongoing commitment to state policies that discourage drug and alcohol abuse while requiring all programs that receive state funding to explicitly communicate their stance against unlawful use. It can be perceived as an effort to ensure clarity in the law while continuing to promote a strong public health message.
Assembly Bill 1129, introduced by Assembly Member Flora, seeks to amend Section 11999.2 of the Health and Safety Code concerning drug- and alcohol-related programs. The current legislation mandates that state funds cannot be allocated for any drug- or alcohol-related programs unless they include a clear component stating that unlawful use of drugs and alcohol is prohibited. AB1129 proposes to make technical, nonsubstantive amendments to this provision, maintaining the core prohibition while possibly simplifying the language.
While this bill may seem straightforward as it is primarily technical in nature, discussions around it could raise points of contention regarding the effectiveness of such funding restrictions. Critics might argue that restrictions on funding do not address the underlying issues of substance abuse and that preventative education and outreach may require a more nuanced approach. Furthermore, specific stakeholders in public health might question whether the existing language adequately supports comprehensive prevention strategies or whether it inadvertently limits educational messages related to responsible habits in law-abiding use.