TITLE: Relating to an alcohol awareness component of the science curriculum used in public schools.

SUMMARY: Relating to an alcohol awareness component of the science curriculum used in public schools.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to an alcohol awareness component of the science curriculum used in public schools. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 28.002(r), Education Code, is amended to read as follows: (r) The [In adopting the essential knowledge and skills for the health curriculum under Subsection (a)(2)(B), the] State Board of Education by rule shall require a school district or open-enrollment charter school to provide to students in middle school, junior high school, and high school instruction [adopt essential knowledge and skills] that addresses [address] the dangers, causes, consequences, signs, symptoms, and treatment of binge drinking and alcohol poisoning. The agency shall compile a list of evidence-based alcohol awareness programs from which a school district or open-enrollment charter school shall choose a program to use in the district's or school's middle school, junior high school, and high school science [health] curriculum. The agency shall make alcohol awareness programs available without cost. To the extent possible, the programs shall be accessible electronically for school districts and open-enrollment charter schools. A high school shall use a program chosen under this subsection in a course that satisfies the science curriculum requirement for graduation under Section 28.025(b-1)(1)(A). In this subsection, "evidence-based alcohol awareness program" means a program, practice, or strategy that has been proven to effectively prevent or delay alcohol use among students, as determined by evaluations that use valid and reliable measures and that are published in peer-reviewed journals. SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with the 2013-2014 school year. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.