RI Education Curriculum Bill Enacted

Chapter 087
2010 — H 7418 SUBSTITUTE A
Enacted 06/16/10

AN ACT
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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