HB1621 Summary

• Creates the Primary Prevention Programs Act as a new subchapter of Arkansas Code Title 20, Chapter 8, establishing statewide standards for youth risk behavior prevention programs

• Requires all education programs concerning risk behavior provided by state agencies or public schools to utilize primary prevention and risk avoidance strategies before implementing secondary prevention strategies focused on risk reduction

• Defines "risk behaviors" including smoking, alcohol consumption, drug abuse, early sexual activity, dating/sexual violence, bullying, cyberbullying, sexting, and misuse of technology or social media

• Specifies that primary prevention programs must be evidence-based or evidence-informed, developmentally appropriate, culturally appropriate, and strength-based while addressing optimal health across physical, emotional, social, mental, and spiritual dimensions

• Requires trainers providing primary prevention programs to have at least 5 years of experience in training and program implementation, references from school districts, and foundation in risk avoidance and evidence-based or evidence-informed practices