HF 4881

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 03/13/2024 12:18pm

A bill for an act
relating to education; modifying cannabis and substance use education
requirements; amending Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 120B.215,
subdivisions 1, 2, by adding a subdivision.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 120B.215, subdivision 1, is
amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Model program.

The commissioner of education, in consultation with
the commissioners of health and human services, local district and school health education
specialists, and other qualified experts, shall identify one or more model programs that may
be used to educate middle school and high school students on the health effects on children
and adolescents of cannabis use and substance use, including but not limited to the use of
fentanyl or mixtures containing fentanyl, consistent with local standards as required in
section 120B.021, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (6), for elementary and secondary
school students. The commissioner must publish a list of model programs that include
written materials, resources, and training for instructors by deleted text begin June deleted text end new text begin January new text end 1, 2025. A model
program identified by the commissioner must be medically accurate, age and developmentally
appropriate, culturally inclusive, and grounded in science, and must address:

(1) the physical and mental health effects of cannabis use and substance use by children,
adolescents, and persons under 25 years of age, including effects on the developing brains
of children, adolescents, and persons under 25 years of age;

(2) unsafe or unhealthy behaviors associated with cannabis use and substance use;

(3) signs of substance use disorders;

(4) treatment options; and

(5) healthy coping strategies for children and adolescents.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 120B.215, subdivision 2, is amended
to read:

Subd. 2.

School programs.

(a) Starting in the deleted text begin 2026-2027 deleted text end new text begin 2025-2026 new text end school year, a
school district or charter school must implement a comprehensive education program on
cannabis use and substance use, including but not limited to the use of fentanyl or mixtures
containing fentanyl, for students in middle school and high school. The program must
include instruction on the topics listed in subdivision 1 and must:

(1) respect community values and encourage students to communicate with parents,
guardians, and other trusted adults about cannabis use and substance use, including but not
limited to the use of fentanyl or mixtures containing fentanyl; and

(2) refer students to local resources where students may obtain medically accurate
information about cannabis use and substance use, including but not limited to the use of
fentanyl or mixtures containing fentanyl, and treatment for a substance use disorder.

(b) District efforts to develop, implement, or improve instruction or curriculum as a
result of the provisions of this section must be consistent with sections 120B.10 and 120B.11.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 120B.215, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 2a. new text end

new text begin School program discretion. new text end

new text begin A school district or charter school may adopt
programs to discourage and prevent underage substance abuse.
new text end