Texas Senate Bill SB278

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 11/12/08

Caption

Relating to appropriations to the Department of State Health Services for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse.

Impact

In addition to prevention programs, SB278 also designates another $10 million for the provision of evidence-based treatment practices for substance abuse. This may include pharmacological interventions designed to assist individuals struggling with substance addiction. By securing financial resources for both prevention and treatment, the bill establishes a more comprehensive approach to addressing substance abuse issues across Texas, potentially leading to improved outcomes for affected individuals and communities.

Summary

Senate Bill 278, introduced by Harris, relates to appropriations made to the Department of State Health Services specifically for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse. The bill includes provisions for allocating a total of $10 million for two fiscal years, 2010 and 2011, to support programs that focus on decreasing the risk of substance abuse in schools. This funding aims to extend evidence-based prevention programs to an additional 350 to 450 Texas schools, thereby enhancing the current state initiatives aimed at combating substance abuse among students.

Contention

While the bill primarily serves to bolster efforts against substance abuse, notable points of contention could revolve around the effectiveness of these programs and the allocation of resources. Critics may argue about the adequacy of the funding levels and whether they will sufficiently address the growing substance abuse problems within Texas. Furthermore, the implementation of such programs could face scrutiny regarding their accessibility to underprivileged schools and communities disproportionately affected by substance misuse.