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Minutes for HB2613 - Committee on Education
Short Title
Creating the statewide drug abuse resistance education (D.A.R.E.) program educator position, establishing the drug abuse resistance education fund and providing funding for such fund by annual transfer of state moneys.
Minutes Content for Thu, Feb 8, 2024
Jason Long explained the bill. He stated that the bill would employ an educator for statewide education of the drug abuse resistance education (D.A.R.E) program and a statewide D.A.R.E. coordinator.(Attachment1)
Mike Stieben spoke in favor of the bill, stating that the program is just one part of the solution of the drug problem.(Attachment2)
Andy and Rhonda Burris, parents who lost a child to fentanyl poisoning, came to speak in support of the bill. They believe that the D.A.R.E. program can influence the thought patterns of today's youth in a positive way. (Attachment3)
Randy Combs and Sara Hortenstine from the office of the Attorney General, spoke about the importance of having a statewide coordinator to ensure there is enough certified officers who are trained to teach and provide mentorship to the more that 510,000 K-12 students who are learning and growing in Kansas. (Attachment4)
Craig Seibel stated that passing the bill would enable the Kansas Attorney General's office to be better equipped to train and maintain credible deliverers of science and evidence-based curricula. The goal is to expand and teach D.A.R,E. to every elementary, middle, and high school. (Attachment5)
Melissa Rooker provided opponent testimony on behalf of the Children's Cabinet and Trust Fund. She stated that the funding for D.A.R.E. should not come from the monies in the fund. (Attachment6)
Timothy Graham stated that KNEA was neutral with the only concern the funding source and vehicle used to implement the proposal. (Attachment7)
The chair closed the hearing on HB2613.
Representative Goetz made a motion to suspend the rules and work and amend the bill, HB2613. Seconded by Representative Estes.
Discussion ensued.
Representative Goetz withdrew the motion.
Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 2:40 pm.
