The South Dakota Senate supports reducing the punishment for students who get into trouble with drugs and alcohol. The Senate approved a measure that changes suspension requirements for students who are in extracurricular activities. Lawmakers believe keeping students involved in sports or other school functions, keeps them off drugs.
Republican Senator Tim Rave and other lawmakers want to give troubled teens a second chance to improve their choices. Under the legislation, if a student gets caught in possession, using, or distributing a controlled substance, they could get their suspension reduced to 30 days if they seek counseling. A second offense would allow a student to only undergo a 60 day suspension if they sought treatment. The third offense would indefinitely suspend the student. Rave says this should not give students more leeway when it comes to drugs.
"To clarify, this is not being soft on crime. They’ve already gone through the criminal process. They’ve paid any fines, served any applicable time if that was the case," Senator Rave says. "It’s nothing with being soft on crime. This has to do with adding another deterrent to young people, to not do drugs."
Rave and other proponents to this legislation believe students who stay in activities are less likely to partake in illegal drug activity. This bill passed the Senate 32-1 and it goes next to the House floor.
