NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates HB355

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Department of Health

State Department of Education

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

The bill appropriates $6.0 to fund a children's anti-smoking educational program in the elementary schools, the tar wars program, that includes an anti-smoking poster contest.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The bill appropriates $6.0 in general fund in FY01 to the Department of Health (DOH).

The State Department of Education indicates $6.0 is inadequate to fund an effective statewide research-based educational program.

Also, the State Department of Education's Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities program currently funds all school districts to coordinate activities with other available prevention programs.

TECHNICAL ISSUES

The State Department of Education recommends amending the bill to require collaboration between the Department of Health and the State Department of Education.

The Department of Health suggests earmarking a substantial portion of New Mexico's tobacco settlement payments for a sustained, comprehensive tobacco use prevention initiative employing proven, effective approaches; increasing the $6.0 appropriation to a level that would make it possible to conduct a successful program; and expanding the content of the Tar Wars program to include smokeless tobacco and cigars as well as cigarettes.

RAE/njw