Resolve, To Implement the Recommendations of the Task Force To Address the Opioid Crisis in the State by Establishing a Work Group To Develop Educational Programming for Prevention of Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders among Youth and Adolescents

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  deaths from substance use disorder are preventable and programs to promote prevention are critical; and

Whereas,  the work to determine the specific programs to be employed in this State must be completed as soon as possible in order for reporting to the Legislature by January 2020 and implementing in schools and communities; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Department of Education to establish work group regarding substance use prevention programs. Resolved: That the Department of Education shall establish a work group to evaluate existing substance use prevention programs targeting school-age children, investigate prevention programs that have proven effective in other areas of the United States or in other countries, identify funding resources and determine how prevention programs are best incorporated into education curricula.

Sec. 2. Membership. Resolved: That the work group established in section 1 must include representatives from educational organizations, including the Maine Education Association, Maine School Management Association, Maine Principals' Association and Maine Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association; representatives of law enforcement; and representatives of organizations that promote and facilitate programs focusing on public health, substance use prevention, behavioral health treatment and the welfare of children.

Sec. 3. Report. Resolved: That, no later than January 1, 2020, the Department of Education shall submit a report of the findings of its work group and any recommended legislation to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters. The joint standing committee may report out legislation based upon the report to the Second Regular Session of the 129th Legislature.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.

summary

This resolve is based on recommendations of the Task Force To Address the Opioid Crisis in the State, which submitted its report to the Legislature in December 2017. The resolve requires the Department of Education to establish a work group to evaluate existing substance use prevention programs targeting school-age children, investigate prevention programs that have proven effective in other areas of the United States or in other countries, identify funding resources and determine how prevention programs should be incorporated into education curricula. The work group must include representatives of educational, law enforcement and public health organizations. The department is required to submit a report of the findings of the work group no later than January 1, 2020 to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters.