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Minutes for HB2709 - Committee on Education
Short Title
Establishing fentanyl poisoning awareness week for public middle schools and high schools to educate students on the abuse of and addiction to fentanyl and other opioids.
Minutes Content for Wed, Feb 14, 2024
The chair opened the hearing on HB2709.
Jason Long explained the bill would direct the State Board of Education to designate a week during each school year as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Week for public schools that offer grades 6 through 12. (Attachment12)
Representative Martinez testified in favor of the bill. She stated that fentanyl is a deadly drug and readily available.(Attachment13)
Representative Melton stated that usage is spreading rapidly. The bill would assist the work already being done by the school resource officer's and school staff. This drug is deadly, she stated.(Attachment14)
Bob Stuart has never seen anything in his law enforcement experience like what is going on with fentanyl. The pills cost $2.00 per pill, getting cheaper and easier to obtain. The KBI is willing to work with schools and D.A.R.E. (Attachment15)
All proponents stood for questions.
Ann Mah testified as an opponent. She stated that set standards are in place. Kansas State Board of Education (KSBE) does not set the curriculum, local boards set their own. KSBE would be happy to develop materials to get out to schools regarding fentanyl but there does not need to be a law.(Attachment16)
Timothy Graham testified as an opponent. He stated that this should be left to KSBE and local school boards. KNEA understands the seriousness of the issue but is opposed to the bill due to the language; the local school board "shall"; the State Board of Education "shall". KNEA is committed to helping with this and this bill is getting people talking about the problem.(Attachment17)
The hearing on HB2709 was closed.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:07 pm.
