Education: curriculum; instructions on the risks associated with gambling; include in curriculum. Amends sec. 1170b of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1170b).
Impact
If enacted, SB 54 will modify the educational standards across Michigan schools, making the instruction on opioid abuse and gambling a required component of the state's health education curriculum. This legislative move is anticipated to raise awareness about critical health issues and provide students with necessary information to understand the consequences of substance abuse and gambling addiction. By integrating these topics into the curriculum, the bill aims to enhance student education and promote healthier decision-making among young individuals.
Summary
Senate Bill 54 aims to amend the revised school code in Michigan by including specific health educational instructions related to prescription opioid abuse and gambling addiction. The bill mandates that beginning in the 2019-2020 school year, schools must provide instruction on the dangers of prescription opioid drug abuse, as well as a model program developed by a commission assessing prescription drug issues. Furthermore, starting with the 2024-2025 school year, schools will also include information on gambling addiction in their health curriculum, which is expected to help mitigate the risks associated with these issues among students.
Contention
Despite the proactive approach to addressing these pressing health issues, SB 54 may face contention regarding the implementation of such educational programs. Critics may argue about the adequacy of the proposed model programs and whether additional resources will be necessary to effectively deliver this instruction in schools. Moreover, stakeholders may raise questions regarding the appropriateness of introducing gambling as a topic in school curricula, potentially due to concerns over age-appropriateness or the broader implications of normalizing discussions around gambling for students.
Education: curriculum; alternative merit curriculum; provide for. Amends secs. 1278a & 1278b of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1278a & 380.1278b) & adds sec. 1278e.
Education: other; recommended model core academic curriculum content standards for health education and certain guidelines for health education; modify. Amends sec. 1170a of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1170a).