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Subcommittee approves optional law‑enforcement‑led LEAD prevention program for schools
Summary
House Bill 382, sponsored by Representative Butler, was amended to make participation in the LEAD (law‑enforcement against drugs and violence) prevention program optional for local education agencies; the subcommittee approved the amendment and advanced the bill unanimously 6-0.
The Education Administration subcommittee unanimously approved House Bill 382 as amended, making participation in a law‑enforcement‑led drug and violence prevention program optional for local education agencies.
Representative Butler, sponsor of HB 382, said amendment 3393 changes the original draft so school systems may choose whether to adopt the LEAD program or the DARE curriculum, or to use their own prevention program. Butler described LEAD as an evidence‑based program present in 45 Tennessee counties with more than 450 instructors; the program aims to teach decision making, conflict resolution, media literacy and other prevention skills.
Committee members asked whether LEAD and DARE were substantially different and whether local education agencies could opt for other curricula. Butler said the amendment preserves local choice: an LEA may adopt LEAD, DARE, or an alternate program. The clerk recorded a 6-0 committee vote in favor of the amended bill, which the subcommittee forwarded to the full Education Administration committee.
What’s next: House Bill 382 as amended will proceed to the full Education Administration committee for further consideration.
