Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR201

Introduced
3/8/24  
Refer
3/14/24  
Introduced
3/8/24  

Caption

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

Impact

The resolution highlights concerns over the effectiveness of punitive measures, such as suspension and expulsion, against student smoking. Instead, it advocates for a more supportive approach that emphasizes counseling and education rather than punishment. The aim is to combat the growing trend of vaping among youth by offering them the necessary resources and knowledge to make informed decisions about their health. The proposal advocates for implementing peer-to-peer programs and counseling that would address smoking as a toxic and addictive behavior, ultimately seeking to improve overall student health within public schools.

Summary

SCR201 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the State of Hawaii urging the Department of Education to educate students and teachers about the smoking epidemic, particularly with regard to electronic smoking devices. Recognizing that the Keiki Caucus has identified electronic smoking as a significant priority, the resolution calls for the dissemination of information to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and nicotine delivery systems like vapes, which are increasingly prevalent among students. The resolution is an acknowledgment of the public health risks posed by these devices, particularly in light of data indicating high usage rates among adolescents.

Conclusion

SCR201 represents a strategic push towards aligning educational practices with public health goals in Hawaii. By urging the Department of Education to adapt its policies towards a more educational and supportive model, proponents of the resolution aim to foster an environment where students can learn about the risks associated with smoking and vaping without the fear of punitive repercussions. If embraced fully, this approach could lead to meaningful changes in how smoking is addressed in schools, potentially reducing its prevalence among Hawaii's youth.

Contention

One notable point of contention within discussions surrounding SCR201 is the current disciplinary approach to handling vaping and smoking at schools. Critics have argued that penalties like suspension may not only fail to deter smoking behavior but may exacerbate issues, particularly for vulnerable students. The resolution suggests that addressing the root causes of smoking through education and support will be far more effective than merely implementing disciplinary actions. This perspective aligns with findings from health surveys indicating a need for substantial intervention and support systems to combat a rising trend in youth smoking and vaping.

Companion Bills

HI SR177

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

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 SR212

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.

HI HCR93

Urging The Board Of Education To Adopt Rules To Prohibit The Possession, Use, Sale, Or Distribution Of Electronic Smoking Devices That Do Not Contain Tobacco But Do Contain Nicotine.

HI HR100

Urging The Board Of Education To Adopt Rules To Prohibit The Possession, Use, Sale, Or Distribution Of Electronic Smoking Devices That Do Not Contain Tobacco But Do Contain Nicotine.

HI HB1327

Relating To The Youth Vaping Epidemic.

HI HB1570

Relating To The Youth Vaping Epidemic.

HI SR42

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

HI SCR144

Urging The Department Of Education, University Of Hawaii Community Colleges, And Hawaii P-20 Partnerships For Education To Develop Clear Pathways For Students In Department Of Education Career And Technical Education Academies To Seamlessly Continue Their Education In Career And Technical Education Programs At University Of Hawaii Community Colleges.

HI SCR115

Urging The Department Of Education To Provide And Publish Information Related To Federal Impact Aid.

HI SCR48

Urging The Department Of Law Enforcement, Fire Departments And Police Departments Of Each County, Humane Societies In Each County, And Media Organizations Throughout The State To Collaborate To Create And Disseminate Public Service Announcements To Highlight The Dangers Of, And Advocate Against The Use Of, Illegal Fireworks In Order To Protect The Health And Safety Of The Community, Pets, And Wildlife.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.