Makes appropriation to the department of education for student substance abuse testing.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. Act 44, Session Laws of Hawaii 2004, required the department of education to refer a student, who is subject to suspension for substance abuse, to be assessed by a certified substance abuse treatment counselor. The purpose of the assessment is to determine whether the student needs treatment for substance abuse or dependency, and appropriate referral and treatment services accordingly. The outcome of this process determines whether the student will be subject to continued disciplinary action.

The department of education has indicated that, based on statewide data in recent years for drug and alcohol offenses, the estimated costs for the assessments would be $300,000 to $500,000.

The purpose of this Act is to make an appropriation to the department of education for student substance abuse referral for the purpose of assessments by certified substance abuse treatment counselors.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $400,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2005-2006, for student substance abuse referral for the purpose of assessments by certified substance abuse treatment counselors, in accordance with Act 44, Session Laws of Hawaii 2004.

SECTION 3. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2005.