# Plain Language Summary: Keeping Drugs Out of Schools Act of 2023

This bill creates a new federal grant program to help communities work with schools to prevent drug and substance abuse among young people. The federal government would set aside $7 million per year (from 2023 through 2028) to fund these efforts. The money would go to existing community drug prevention organizations that already receive federal funding, but only if they partner with local schools through a formal agreement.

Here's how it works in practice: A community anti-drug coalition that already has federal support can apply for an additional grant of up to $75,000 per year to work with a local school on drug prevention programs. These programs would be tailored to fit the specific needs of that school and community—so a school in an area struggling with opioid abuse might focus on that, while another community might address different substances. The coalition and school would work together to design prevention strategies, which could include education programs, awareness campaigns, or other activities aimed at keeping young people away from drugs and alcohol. If the partnership works well, the coalition can receive additional funding for up to three more years to continue the program.

The bill requires that these grants actually supplement existing school drug prevention efforts rather than replace them, meaning schools can't just use this new money instead of spending their own resources. The programs also have to be evaluated to make sure they're actually working. Only one community organization can receive a grant to work with any particular school, preventing duplicate efforts and ensuring focused attention. The bill also allows the federal government to delegate some of the grant administration to other drug control agencies if needed.

Keeping Drugs Out of Schools Act of 2023

Sánchez, Linda T.

Keeping Drugs Out of Schools Act of 2023This bill allows the Office of National Drug Control Policy to award grants for eligible entities to implement school-community partnerships for preventing and reducing substance use and misuse among youth. Eligible entity refers to a coalition that (1)&nbsp;is a Drug-Free Communities funded coalition on or before the date on which the coalition submits a grant application, and (2) has a memorandum of understanding in effect with not less than one local school&nbsp;to establish a school-community partnership. &nbsp;