Plain English Breakdown
The official text contains conflicting language (e.g., 'require authorize') indicating this is a draft or amended version where final wording may vary.
Drug Testing Rules for School Sports and Activities
This law allows school districts to create drug testing programs for students in grades 7 through 12 participating in extracurricular activities, requiring nicotine tests for athletes while protecting students from suspension based solely on a positive test result.
What This Bill Does
- Authorizes school district governing boards to adopt drug testing programs as part of their policies for student participation in extracurricular and cocurricular activities.
- Requires any adopted program to include nicotine testing for athletic extracurricular activities, while allowing optional testing for alcohol or controlled substances.
- Allows the program to apply to nonathletic extracurricular activities if the school district chooses.
- Sets the rule that tests must be random and suspicionless unless a school has reasonable suspicion of substance use by a specific student.
- Prohibits schools from suspending students solely because they tested positive in these programs, though it allows stopping participation in sports for the remainder of the season after three cumulative positive results.
- Requires test results to be shared with parents or legal guardians, school superintendents, and coaches or adult leaders, while banning sharing them with criminal or juvenile authorities except as provided by law.
Who It Names or Affects
- Students in grades 7 through 12 who participate in athletic teams or other extracurricular activities.
- School district governing boards that create policies for student participation.
- Coaches, adult activity leaders, and school superintendents who receive test results.
Terms To Know
- Extracurricular activities
- School-related groups or sports that students join outside of regular class time.
- Controlled substance
- Drugs regulated by the government, including illegal drugs and some prescription medicines used without a doctor's order.
- Diversion program
- A support or education plan that schools may require students to join as a condition of continuing participation in activities after multiple positive tests.
Limits and Unknowns
- The bill authorizes but does not force every school district to start a testing program; it only gives them the option to do so.
- Schools cannot suspend students for a positive test alone, but they can stop those students from playing sports after three cumulative positive tests.