S.329 - Keeping Drugs Out of Schools Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.329, the "Keeping Drugs Out of Schools Act of 2025," aims to authorize grants for school-community partnerships focused on preventing substance use and misuse among youth. The bill allows the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to award grants to eligible entities, which are coalitions already receiving funding under the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, to implement effective drug prevention programs in local schools. These programs must be tailored to the specific needs of the student population and community environment.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would provide funding to support collaborative efforts between schools and community organizations to combat youth substance abuse. It would enable the implementation of targeted prevention programs and provide resources for training and assistance. The bill also emphasizes the importance of evaluating the effectiveness of these programs.
Potential Benefits
- Supports early intervention and prevention of substance abuse among youth.
- Encourages collaboration between schools and communities to address local needs.
- Provides funding for training and resources to implement effective drug prevention programs.
- Requires evaluation of program effectiveness to ensure accountability.
- Supplements existing federal and non-federal funding for drug prevention.
Potential Disadvantages
- Limited funding may restrict the number of schools and communities that can benefit.
- Administrative costs could reduce the amount of funding available for direct program implementation.
- The bill relies on existing coalitions, potentially overlooking areas without established organizations.
- Grant amounts are capped at $75,000 per fiscal year, which may be insufficient for comprehensive programs.
- Success depends on the effective coordination and implementation by local entities.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). It promotes the well-being of children and communities by addressing substance abuse. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but federal funding for specific programs like this is generally permissible under the spending clause (Article I, Section 8).
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).