7. a. There is created an Alliance to Prevent Substance Use Disorder hereinafter referred to as the “Alliance,” in the Governor’s Council on Substance Use Disorder. The purpose of the Alliance shall be to create a network comprised of all the communities in New Jersey which is dedicated to a comprehensive and coordinated effort against substance use disorder. The Alliance shall be a mechanism both for implementing policies to reduce substance use disorder at the municipal level, and for providing funds, including moneys from mandatory penalties on drug offenders, to member communities to support appropriate county and municipal-based substance use disorder education and public awareness activities.

b. The Governor’s Council on Substance Use Disorder shall adopt rules and regulations for participation in, and the operation of, the Alliance and for the awarding of grants to municipalities and counties from funds appropriated for such purposes pursuant to P.L.1989, c.51 (C. 26:2BB-1 et al.), section 5 of P.L.1993, c.216 (C. 54:43-1.3) and funds derived from the “Drug Enforcement and Demand Reduction Fund” established pursuant to N.J.S.2C:35-15, for the purpose of developing:

(1) Organized and coordinated efforts involving schools, law enforcement, business groups and other community organizations for the purpose of reducing substance use disorder;

(2) In cooperation with local school districts, comprehensive and effective substance use disorder education programs in grades kindergarten through 12;

(3) In cooperation with local school districts, procedures for the intervention, treatment, and discipline of students using alcohol or drugs;

(4) Comprehensive substance use disorder education, support and outreach efforts for parents in the community; and

(5) Comprehensive substance use disorder community awareness programs.

c. Funds disbursed under this section shall not supplant local funds that would have otherwise been made available for substance use disorder initiatives. Communities shall provide matching funds when and to the extent required by the regulations adopted pursuant to this section.

d. The county agency or individual designated by the governing body of each county pursuant to subsection a. of section 4 of P.L.1983, c.531 (C. 26:2B-33), is authorized to receive from the Governor’s Council on Substance Use Disorder moneys made available pursuant to this section. The designated county agency or individual shall establish a separate fund for the receipt and disbursement of these moneys.

L.1989, c.51, s.7; amended 1993, c.216, s.4; 2023, c.177, s.76.