Creating the drug abuse resistance education (D.A.R.E.) educator position.
Impact
The introduction of a D.A.R.E. educator is seen as a crucial step towards strengthening drug awareness and prevention programs within schools. By having a centralized educator, the state aims to ensure consistent delivery of educational content across public schools, promoting a unified approach to drug resistance education. The bill allows the D.A.R.E. educator to not only instruct students but also to facilitate the distribution of educational materials, thereby broadening the reach of the program.
Summary
House Bill 2140 establishes a formal position for a Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) educator within the Kansas Attorney General's office. The purpose of this bill is to enhance the drug education efforts in public elementary and secondary schools across the state by appointing a dedicated educational coordinator. It tasks the D.A.R.E. educator with implementing a curriculum that includes important topics related to drug abuse, such as fentanyl and other opioid substances.
Contention
While the bill reflects a proactive approach to addressing drug abuse education, there may be discussions regarding its funding and resource allocation. Concerns about the effectiveness of the D.A.R.E. program in recent years could also arise, as critics have debated the program's success rates in combating drug use. The requirement for an annual report to the legislature implies a mechanism for accountability, which may help mitigate some opposition by ensuring transparency in the program's implementation and outcomes.