This bill would have allowed county boards of education to approve elective drug prevention programs that had a faith-based element.  Based on testimony during debate, legislators were specifically hoping to use this to allow a single specific Christian drug prevention program into the public schools.  Schools have a duty not to promote any specific religious belief.  Allowing a program that does just that, even for the laudable goal of drug abuse prevention is not permissible under the Establishment Clause.

Sponsors

Maynard, Azinger, Cline, Roberts, Tarr, Maroney, Hamilton

Status

Failed

Session

2019

Bill number

Position

Oppose