Drug Abuse bill

Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997 - Amends the National Narcotics Leadership Act of 1988 to direct Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy to establish a program to support communities in the development and implementation of comprehensive, long-term plans and programs to prevent and treat substance abuse among youth (referred hereafter as the Program). Requires that the Program shall include grant making and tracking, technical assistance and training, data collection and dissemination on state-of-the-art practices which have proven effective in reducing substance abuse, and general administration. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth specified criteria a coalition shall meet to be eligible to receive a grant. Prescribes limitations concerning: (1) grant amounts; (2) coalition awards; and (3) rural coalition grants. Requires the Administrator of the Program to: (1) have access for the purpose of audit and examination to any books, documents, and records that are pertinent to any grant or grant renewal request and may periodically request information from a grantee to ensure that the criteria set forth are being met; (2) issue rules and regulations regarding the application process, grant renewal, and suspension or withholding of any renewal grant awards; and (3) make every effort, consistent with existing law, to minimize reporting requirements by a grantee and to expedite any grant renewal requests. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) collect data from national substance abuse organizations working with coalitions, community anti-drug coalitions, departments or agencies of Federal, State and local or tribal governments and any other entity or organization whose activities relate to the purposes of the Program, and evaluate the utility of specific initiatives, engage in research and development activities related to the Program, and disseminate such information to eligible coalitions, any other substance abuse organization, or the public; and (2) offer technical assistance and training, enter into contracts and cooperative agreements, coordinate programs with any grantee or other organization, and train any representatives designated by a grantee in coalition building, task force development, mediation and facilitation, direct service, assessment and evaluation or any other activity related to the purposes of the Program. Establishes the Advisory Commission on Drug-Free Communities (Advisory Commission) to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to the Administrator concerning matters related to the activities carried out under the Program. Sets forth the duties of the Advisory Commission. Requires that if the Administrator rejects recommendations of the Advisory Commission, the Administrator shall notify the Advisory Commission and the Director in writing of the reasons for so doing not later than 15 days after receiving such recommendations. Terminates the Advisory Commission five years after enactment of this Act.