23-05-2025
Pennsylvania Attorney General urges Congress to pass youth drug prevention bill
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that he joined a coalition calling on Congress to pass a bill that aims to reduce youth drug use through education and outreach.
The bill, known as the 'Youth Substance Use Prevention and Awareness Act,' would employ prevention methods that have been proven to be effective in forming public service announcements and initiatives. The announcements would be created by student peers and aimed at young people when they have their first exposure to dangerous substances.
'Protecting children is a core function of the Office of Attorney General, and it is crucial that young people receive this positive messaging at a time when they are most impressionable. Without a doubt, the best way to solve a problem or crisis is to prevent it from happening,' Sunday said. 'As a father, I am well aware of the challenges and influences facing our children. We must do all we can to equip them with the tools they need to make healthy choices.'
The legislation was introduced by U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) and looks to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. The amendments would provide targeted federal funding for public service announcements, youth-led campaigns and other outreach tools that help prevent early substance use.
'This thoughtful and timely legislation represents a critical, evidence-based step toward reducing youth substance use through strategic public education and engagement,' The letter sent by the coalition reads.
The bill would fund a range of efforts to better reach youth with timely, credible and accessible information, including:
Culturally relevant PSAs tailored specifically to youth.
Youth-led PSA contests to drive peer-to-peer engagement and creativity.
Federal grants for outreach across TV, radio, social media, streaming platforms, and other media.
Annual reporting requirements to measure reach and effectiveness, ensuring transparency and accountability.
The coalition of attorneys general stressed that youth substance use remains a 'growing public health and public safety concern.' In addition to Sunday, the letter was signed by Attorneys General from 33 other states and territories.
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