This bill establishes a grant program through the Commissioner of Education to support school districts in implementing substance abuse prevention programs specifically for eighth grade students. The program consists of two main components: a faculty and parent education component aimed at raising awareness and equipping stakeholders with knowledge about substance abuse, and a student education component that employs a four-phase approach. The student education phases include discussions with teenage residents of drug rehabilitation programs, personal testimonies from individuals affected by substance abuse, talks from minimum custody offenders about their experiences, and interactions with positive role models, including celebrities, to promote responsible decision-making and the dangers of substance abuse.

To participate in the grant program, school districts must submit an application certifying that their budget includes funding for the substance abuse prevention program, which can come from various sources such as district funds or private donations. The Commissioner will evaluate applications based on established criteria and allocate grants accordingly. Importantly, the bill also stipulates that no student will be required to participate in the program if their parent or guardian provides a signed statement indicating that participation conflicts with the student's conscience or sincerely held moral or religious beliefs. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.