3742

JOINT RESOLUTIONS

Signed May 21, 1985.

No. 22

(House Joint Resolution No. 42)

A House Joint Resolution concerning

Alcohol Abuse by Youth - Gubernatorial Task Force

FOR the purpose of requesting the Governor to establish a task
force to develop and implement a plan to reduce alcohol
abuse by youth and young adults in the State; and directing
the task force to consider certain factors and involve
certain State and local government agencies and institutions
and other individuals in the development of its plan.

WHEREAS, Driving while under the influence of alcoholic
beverages is the factor most frequently attributed to highway
fatalities and injuries, particularly among youth and young
adults; and

WHEREAS, Drinking is a learned behavior, and it is
imperative that Maryland's youth and young adults be 'taught the
dangers of drinking and driving; and

WHEREAS, There is a need to develop a program to educate all
of the citizens of Maryland, particularly its youth and young
adults, about methods of reducing the number of fatalities and
injuries resulting from driving while under the influence of
alcoholic beverages; and

WHEREAS, An organizational framework to focus the efforts
of State and local communities and agencies, together with
families, educational institutions, nutritional service
organizations and others involved in programs geared to combat
drunk driving among the State's youth could be very effective in
reducing needless tragedies experienced on the State's highways,
and the immeasurable suffering among citizens of the State; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the
Governor is requested to establish a task force to develop and
implement a comprehensive plan designed to reduce alcohol abuse
by youth and young adults in the State; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the task force be strongly encouraged to
consider, as components of its. recommended plan:

(1) the formation of a school-community advisory council on
substance abuse to develop and monitor programs on prevention and
treatment of alcohol abuse by young people;