House Bill No. 316, introduced by Representative Butler, seeks to amend and reenact several provisions related to the Drug Policy Board in Louisiana. The bill increases the board's membership from 23 to 25 members and modernizes the language used throughout the relevant statutes. Notably, it removes the executive director of the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Program and a representative from a federal agency focused on drug abuse from the board's composition. Instead, it adds new members, including a representative from the Board of Regents and an individual with at least five years of recovery experience who is involved in substance use prevention and peer support.

Additionally, the bill modifies the reporting requirements for the Drug Policy Board, changing the frequency and timing of reports to the governor. Instead of submitting an interim report by July 1, 1991, and quarterly reports thereafter, the board will now provide an annual report on July 1 each year, with the option for quarterly reports if deemed necessary. The proposed changes aim to enhance the board's effectiveness in addressing substance misuse and to ensure that its operations are aligned with contemporary practices and language.

Statutes affected:
HB316 Original: 49:2(B)(1), 49:3(A)
HB316 Engrossed: 49:2(B)(1), 49:3(A)