BILL ANALYSIS Ó
SENATE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Senator Ricardo Lara, Chair
2015 - 2016 Regular Session
ABX2 9 (Thurmond) - Tobacco use programs
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|Version: August 27, 2015 |Policy Vote: P.H. & D.S. 9-3 |
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|Urgency: No |Mandate: Yes |
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|Hearing Date: Mach 8, 2016 |Consultant: Brendan McCarthy |
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This bill meets the criteria for referral to the Suspense File.
Bill
Summary: AB X2 9 would extend the eligibility for an existing
tobacco use prevention grant program in schools to charter
schools. The bill would require schools to post signs notifying
the public that tobacco use is prohibited on school property.
Fiscal
Impact:
Potential state reimbursable mandate costs up to $120,000 due
to the requirement that schools post signs notifying the
public that tobacco use is prohibited (General Fund). Under
current law, school districts that apply for certain grant
funds must adopt anti-tobacco use policies, including a
requirement to post signs at school sites. About 80% of school
districts have adopted such policies in order to qualify for
grant funds. This bill would prohibit tobacco use at all
school sites and require all schools to post signs. By
requiring all schools to comply with this requirement, the
bill imposes a state mandate. Whether the state would be
obligated to reimburse school districts for this cost will
depend on whether the Commission on State Mandates determines
AB X2 9 (Thurmond) Page 1 of
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that this requirement imposes an additional duty on school
districts.
Unknown cost pressure on existing grant funds (Proposition 99
funds). The bill specifically authorizes charter schools to
access an existing grant program. There are indications that
charter school participation in the current grant program is
low. To the extent that the bill results in additional charter
schools applying for grant funds, that would put cost pressure
on the existing grant program.
Background: Under current law, the state Department of Education provides
competitive grant funds to school districts to fund tobacco
education programs for students. This grant program is funded
with Proposition 99 tobacco tax revenues. A condition for
participation in the program is that school districts adopt
tobacco-free policies, including a requirement that
participating schools post signs notifying the public that
tobacco use is prohibited. Current law does not specify whether
charter schools are eligible for this funding. Under current
practice, a charter school could access these grant funds by
applying through the local county office of education.
Proposed Law:
AB X2 9 would extend eligibility for existing tobacco use
prevention programs in schools to charter schools.
The bill would prohibit the use of tobacco and nicotine products
at all school facilities, county offices of education, charter
schools, and other school-related facilities. The bill would
require school districts to post signs notifying the public that
tobacco use is prohibited on school property.
Related
Legislation:
SB X2 8 (Liu) is identical to this bill. That bill is
pending in the Assembly.
AB X2 9 (Thurmond) Page 2 of
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AB 320 (Nazarian, 2013) was substantially similar to
this bill. That bill was held on the Assembly
Appropriations Committee's Suspense File.
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