ADJUST DRUG EDUCATION SCHOOL ENROLLMENT FEE.

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View NCGA Bill Details2021
Senate Bill 691 (Public) Filed Wednesday, April 7, 2021
AN ACT ADJUSTING THE ENROLLMENT FEE FOR ACCREDITED DRUG EDUCATION SCHOOLS TO ACCOUNT FOR INFLATION; CLARIFYING THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES WITH RESPECT TO DRUG EDUCATION SCHOOLS; AND MAKING TECHNICAL AND OTHER MODIFICATIONS TO THE STATUTE.
Intro. by Alexander.

Status: Re-ref to Appropriations/Base Budget. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate (Senate action) (Apr 21 2021)
S 691

Bill Summaries:

  • Summary date: Apr 8 2021 - View Summary

    Revises GS 90-96.01, which directs the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to oversee the development of a statewide system of drug education schools. Increases the enrollment fee at an accredited school at $275 (was $150), payable to an official designated by the school providing the course (was designated by the area authority). Directs the Commission for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services (Commission) to increase the amount of the enrollment fee every five years beginning on July 1, 2024, to reflect any percentage increase in the specified consumer price index. Now directs a clerk who collects enrollment fees to pay the fees to the appropriate school (was the area authority in the catchment area where the clerk is located). Requires the schools to comply with the statute regarding the use of fees. Makes clarifying changes regarding payment of enrollment fees by defendants following conviction and court-ordered enrollment in the school. More specifically requires school to allow parents or guardians of enrollees who are minors to audit the school curriculum along with their children or wards at no expense. Authorizes schools to implement drug education programs subject to DHHS approval (previously DHHS had authority to approve programs to be implemented by area authorities). Allows schools to subcontract for delivery of services, subject to DHHS approval of budgets and contracts with governmental and nongovernmental bodies for operation of schools (similar to that of area authorities previously). Requires fees to be used by the schools for the operation, evaluation, and administration of the respective schools, with use of excess funds limited to drug and alcohol programs. Requires each school to monthly remit 10% of fees collected to the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services (Division; previously, area authorities were required to remit 5% of fees collected). Requires DHHS to supply to each school, at no charge, a manual and any other required curriculum for each fee collected and remitted to DHHS by that school. Prohibits DHHS from using the fees received for any purpose other than supplying manuals and other required curriculum and supporting, evaluating, and administering schools (previously limited to supporting, evaluating, and administering schools), with excess funds remaining at the end of each fiscal year reverting to the General Fund. Prohibits DHHS from using the funds to match other State funds or to be included in any computation for State formula-funded allocations (similar to the previous prohibitions applicable to area authorities). Makes further clarifying and technical changes. Makes language gender neutral. Effective July 1, 2021.