House Bill 382 amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated to enhance law enforcement-supported education programs, specifically the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program and the Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence (L.E.A.D.) program. The bill introduces new legal language that allows for the inclusion of the L.E.A.D. program alongside the DARE program in multiple sections, including the title of the act, the qualifications for law enforcement instructors, and the funding provisions. Key amendments include the substitution of "DARE" with "DARE or L.E.A.D." in several sections, ensuring that both programs are recognized and supported under the law.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the Department of Safety will establish standards for law enforcement officers seeking training as instructors for both programs and may contract with other states for this training. It also emphasizes that existing comparable programs are not superseded by this act and can participate in funding for DARE and L.E.A.D. programs. The act is set to take effect upon becoming law, prioritizing public welfare.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-1-401, 49-1-402(a), 49-1-402, 49-1-402(b), 49-1-403, 49-1-404, 49-1-405, 49-1-406, 49-1-407, 39-17-420(f), 39-17-420