Senate Passes Johnson Drug Abuse Education Bill

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 7, sponsored by Senator Terry Johnson (R-McDermott), which introduces changes to student instruction on harmful effects of substance use.  

"In order to effectively fight the war on drugs, we need to take an approach that acknowledges our children are the most impressionable people in our society," said Senator Johnson. "As a first step in curbing the upward path of death and destruction, this bill requires proper and appropriate instruction in the harms of, and restrictions against, drugs of abuse. While simple, I believe this policy change begins a much-needed process of targeting drug prevention in a meaningful way—one that can save lives and prevent Ohio’s children from a lifetime of drug abuse and suffering.

"We will never win the war on drugs with a sole focus on the suppliers—we must do more to decrease demand," he added. "I want to do everything I can to keep the precious little souls of our children from entering the terrible vortex of drug abuse and addiction."

Senate Bill 7 requires each public school, and permits each chartered nonpublic school, to annually provide instruction to students in grades K-12 on the harmful effects of short-term or chronic substance use as well as bullying and hazing in its health curriculum.

Additionally, the Department of Education and Workforce is instructed to develop a list of evidence-based curricula, materials, programs, and instructional strategies related to the required health curriculum and substance use instruction. An annual survey by the department is also to be conducted on public school compliance with the required health curriculum and substance use instruction.

Senate Bill 7 now heads to the Ohio House of Representatives for further consideration.

###