Legislation expanding an Ocean County drug abuse deterrence pilot program to the entire state has been approved by the New Jersey Senate. S-106, establishing the "Hooked on Fishing- Not On Drugs" program within the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, is sponsored by Senators Chris Connors (R- Ocean) and Jennifer Beck (R- Monmouth/Mercer).
"Studies have shown that the more we can engage youth in recreational activities, the less likely they are to use and abuse drugs," said Beck. "This program has seen increasing success in Ocean County, and is offered in more than 30 U.S. states and territories. In the battle against substance abuse, prevention is the most important remedy for young people."
Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs is to be funded with an initial $200, 000 appropriation from the state Drug Enforcement and Demand Reduction Fund, which is funded through fines and penalties assessed against drug offenders. The bill encourages the legislature to make an annual appropriation from this fund to sustain the program after the first year.
An identical version of this bill awaits action in the Assembly.
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