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
Maine Legislature, Session 129, LD 0029
Committee: Education and Cultural Affairs
Sponsors: McCREIGHT, GRATWICK, BEEBE-CENTER, BRENNAN, FARNSWORTH, HYMANSON, KORNFIELD, STEARNS, STOVER, CYRWAY

Legislative Document
No. 29
H.P. 30
House of Representatives, January 9, 2019
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)
Reference to the Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs suggested and ordered 
printed.
ROBERT B. HUNT
Clerk
Presented by Representative McCREIGHT of Harpswell.
Cosponsored by Senator GRATWICK of Penobscot and
Representatives: BEEBE-CENTER of Rockland, BRENNAN of Portland, FARNSWORTH of 
Portland, HYMANSON of York, KORNFIELD of Bangor, STEARNS of Guilford, STOVER 
of Boothbay, Senator: CYRWAY of Kennebec.
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.