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Bill

Bill

SB 101

Creating the drug abuse resistance education (D.A.R.E.) educator position.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by J.R. Claeys

Kansas SB 101 creates a state-funded D.A.R.E. educator position to coordinate drug prevention education in schools statewide.

Died in Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 101

Legislative bill overview

SB 101 creates a new state-funded position for a D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) educator in Kansas. The bill establishes this role to coordinate and expand drug prevention education programs, particularly in schools. This represents a formal state commitment to the D.A.R.E. curriculum model through dedicated staffing and resources.

Why is this important

D.A.R.E. programs reach thousands of Kansas students annually in classrooms. Creating a dedicated state educator position signals institutional commitment to substance abuse prevention and could expand program consistency and reach across school districts. The bill also has budgetary implications, as it creates a new recurring state expenditure that must be funded through the budget process.

Potential points of contention

  • Evidence of effectiveness: D.A.R.E. has faced criticism from some researchers who question its long-term effectiveness in preventing drug use compared to other evidence-based prevention programs, which could prompt debate about whether this is the best use of prevention funding.
  • Budget allocation: The bill was referred to the Ways and Means Committee, indicating cost concerns; some may argue these resources should fund other prevention strategies or be left to local districts and federal grants.
  • Program scope and oversight: Questions may arise about what qualifications the educator needs, how success will be measured, and whether the position duplicates existing prevention efforts in schools or state health agencies.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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