Chapter 087

2010 -- H 7418 SUBSTITUTE A

Enacted 06/16/10

 

A N A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION - HEALTH EDUCATION CURRICULUM

          

     Introduced By: Representatives Jackson, Gallison, Martin, A Rice, and Edwards

     Date Introduced: February 09, 2010

 

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

 

     SECTION 1. Short title – The Act shall be cited and known as the "Beth Bowley Coen

Lyme Disease Educational Act."

 

     SECTION 2. Legislative Intent – It is the intent of the general assembly to afford all

Rhode Island children all the protection possible from contacting Lyme disease.

 

     SECTION 3. Legislative findings – Whereas the general assembly finds that Rhode

Island ranks fourth (4th) in the nation in the incidence of Lyme Disease; and

     Whereas, the general assembly has further found that: (a) That Lyme disease is a serious

threat to the health of all Rhode Islanders; (b) That the best defense that Rhode Island children

have against contracting Lyme disease is awareness and prevention; and (c) That a structured

program for Lyme disease awareness and prevention is absent from Rhode Island's mandated

health curriculum.

 

     SECTION 4. Chapter 16-22 of the General Laws entitled "Curriculum" is hereby

amended by adding thereto the following section:

 

     16-22-25. Lyme disease awareness and prevention program. -- The department of

elementary and secondary education shall, in collaboration with the department of health, make

Lyme disease awareness and prevention resources available for all public school students in the

state.

 

     SECTION 5. This act shall take effect upon passage.

     

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LC01197/SUB A/2

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