An Act relative to substance use education in public schools

This bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, working with the Department of Public Health, to create a model curriculum for preventing substance use and addiction in public schools. The curriculum must cover topics such as tobacco, alcohol, prescription drugs, conflict resolution, and mental health resources for students in grades four through twelve. The state is mandated to fully fund the development and implementation of this program, which must be completed by June 30, 2024. Once finished, the new material will be integrated into the existing health education framework for all public school students.