General Assembly, Statement of Intent or Position - Recognizes importance of substance abuse prevention education. -

HJR 749 is a non-binding resolution recognizing Tennessee's youth substance abuse crisis, citing data from the 2022-2023 Tennessee Together Student Survey showing high rates of vaping (29.8% of students), underage alcohol use (33% of students), and prescription drug misuse. It recommends implementing a long-term, evidence-based prevention program in school curricula - from kindergarten through graduation - to teach life skills, mental health support, and healthy decision-making. The resolution does not create new laws but urges the Tennessee Department of Education to adopt this approach, emphasizing its cost-effectiveness (saving $4.60-$18.00 for every $1 spent). Introduced in January 2026, it was withdrawn in February 2026 without further legislative action.