Establishes a drug abuse resistance education (D.A.R.E.) license plate

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law and the state finance law, in relation to creating a distinctive license plate for the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program

Purpose

The purpose of this bill is to provide any person residing in this state, upon request, a distinctive Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D,A.R.E.) license plate.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1. The vehicle and traffic law is amended by adding a new section 404-x.

Section 2. The state finance law is amended by adding a new section 97-1111.

Justification

Distinctive plates will help expand the public's awareness of the D.A.R.E. program in New York State.

The D.A.R.E. program and comprehensive (17 lesson) elementary school curriculum was designed by health and substance abuse educators. Rather than relying on the traditional scare tactic approach to dissuade children from drug abuse, the DARE strategy focused on assisting children with development of the "life skills" (i.e., decision-making, risk identification, peer pressure-resistance) to make well informed decisions-even beyond avoiding drug abuse (i.e., personal safety, resisting conflicts and violence). Close collaboration between educators, law enforcement, parents, and others; demanding instructor training; and focusing efforts on the transition period between elementary and junior high school were also essential elements of DARE strategy from the beginning.

Prior legislative history

S.8013A of 2006, S.595 of 2007/2008, S.2395 of 2009/2010, S.461A of 2011/2012, S.4938 of 2013/2014

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become law; provided, however, that any rule or regulation required to implement the foregoing provisions of this act shall be promulgated on or before such effective date.