Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea has joined a bipartisan coalition of 38 attorneys general urging Congress to pass the Youth Substance Use Prevention and Awareness Act — legislation designed to curb early drug use through evidence-based education and outreach, the Justice Department announced.

The proposed bill, introduced by U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Thom Tillis (R-NC), would amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize federal funding for youth-targeted public service announcements, peer-led campaigns, and culturally relevant media outreach initiatives.

“Protecting our youth from the dangers of early substance use requires more than just enforcement — it demands education, engagement, and evidence-based prevention,” Rhea stated in a press release issued Thursday. “This legislation recognizes that truth and gives communities the tools they need to reach young people where they are, with messages that resonate. I strongly urge Congress to act on this common sense step toward a healthier, safer future for our children.”

According to the Justice Department, the bill mandates that all campaigns be grounded in research, tailored for cultural relevance, and adapted to meet the needs of local communities. Funded initiatives would include public service announcements across platforms like social media and streaming services, as well as youth-led PSA contests to promote peer engagement. Annual reporting requirements are also included to ensure transparency and effectiveness.

“This thoughtful and timely legislation represents a critical, evidence-based step toward reducing youth substance use through strategic public education and engagement,” the coalition wrote in a letter to Senate leadership.

Rhea and his colleagues emphasized the urgency of the measure, citing the growing prevalence of synthetic drugs and fentanyl-related overdoses. Studies show that early drug use increases the risk of long-term addiction and other serious consequences that ripple through schools, families, and communities.

“It is not just a matter of policy — it is a matter of prevention, education, and hope,” the attorneys general wrote.

The letter of support was led by attorneys general from New Hampshire, Connecticut, New York, and South Dakota, and signed by counterparts from 34 other states and territories, including Alaska, California, Georgia, Michigan, and the Northern Mariana Islands.