Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR212

Introduced

3/10/23

Refer

3/15/23

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Education To Establish A Task Force To Develop A Plan To Protect Students From The Vaping Epidemic And The Harms Of Smoking.

Impact

The task force is expected to propose methods to address and ultimately reduce the use of vaping and smoking within public schools. This includes safeguarding students and staff from the associated risks and public safety concerns, with recommendations aimed at protecting against retaliation, delinquency, and potential gang activity linked to vaping. Additionally, the resolution emphasizes the need for resource provision and counseling to support students and educators in overcoming nicotine dependence and could change how tobacco regulations are implemented in schools.

Summary

Senate Resolution 212 requests the Department of Education in Hawaii to establish a task force aimed at developing a comprehensive plan to combat the vaping epidemic and the harms of smoking among students. This initiative responds to significant public health concerns, particularly as e-cigarettes and vaping devices have become prevalent among youth. The resolution highlights the existing regulations that prohibit tobacco use in public schools but points out the loopholes regarding student possession of tobacco products, which often go unenforced unless students are caught using them.

Contention

While the bill is grounded in the necessity to protect youth from the escalating risks associated with vaping, it may encounter resistance from groups concerned about overregulating youth behaviors. Some stakeholders might argue that educational approaches and counseling should be prioritized instead of punitive measures, as excessive regulations might unintentionally alienate students. Thus, the task force's approach could become a point of contention as it balances preventative measures with the need for effective public health strategies.

Latest SR212 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

HI SR177

Urging The Department Of Education To Disseminate Information To Educate Students And Teachers And To Raise Awareness About The Smoking Epidemic.

HI SCR201

Urging The Department Of Education To Disseminate Information To Educate Students And Teachers And To Raise Awareness About The Smoking Epidemic.

HI SR42

Requesting The Department Of Education To Convene The Erin's Law Task Force.

HI SR176

Declaring That Bullying Is A Matter Of Statewide Concern; Requesting The Department Of Education To Update Its Rules And Policies To Address Bullying; And Requesting The Hawaii State Council On Developmental Disabilities To Convene A Task Force To Address The Bullying Of Disabled Children.

HI SR117

Requesting The Department Of Health To Establish A Housing Equity And Wellness Task Force.

HI SCR200

HI SR29

Requesting The Department Of Labor And Industrial Relations And Workforce Development Council To Establish A Task Force To Conduct A Comprehensive Study Of The State's Current Education And Workforce Development Programs.

HI SR38

Requesting The Department Of Education To Develop And Implement A Statewide Behavioral Health Curricula Plan For Public School Students In Grades Kindergarten Through Twelve.

HI SCR136

Requesting The Department Of Health To Establish A Housing Equity And Wellness Task Force.

HI SCR41

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KS HB2294

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KS HB2801

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