AN ACT

RELATING TO EDUCATION; MANDATING THE INSTRUCTION OF THE EFFECTS OF TOBACCO, DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE ON THE HUMAN BODY AND ON SOCIETY IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     Section 1. A new section of Chapter 22, Article 13 NMSA 1978 is enacted to read:

     "THE EFFECTS OF TOBACCO, DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE--INSTRUCTION REQUIRED.--

          A. The department shall require public schools to address the effects of tobacco, drug and alcohol use on the human body and on society as provided in this section through the health or sciences curriculum.

          B. All fourth through twelfth grade classes shall be provided a minimum of six hours of instruction annually. Three hours of instruction shall occur at the beginning of the school year and the remaining three hours shall occur at the end of the school year.

          C. Criteria shall be designed to be appropriate for each grade level.

          D. It is recommended that the public school access appropriate community resources to assist in the instruction."