Senate approves bill allowing naloxone in schools
Holding a photo of his wife’s cousin, Wesley, who died from an opioid overdose, Republican Sen. Clint Dixon asked senators to pass a bill that would allow anyone in schools to possess and administer naloxone, the opioid reversal drug.
The legislation, Senate Bill 395, was approved 54-0.
Currently, only school nurses can administer naloxone, or the name brand Narcan, and the drug is kept in the school clinic. This bill would make the drug more readily available and allow anyone, including teachers, administrators, visitors or students, to carry naloxone and administer to someone experiencing an overdose.
“This will help save lives from opioid and fentanyl overdoses in schools,” he said.
Language in the bill would not penalize schools if naloxone was not readily available or if the school does not have funding to keep drugs, which have about a three-year shelf life, on hand.
“Without your bill, the remedy could be locked away in a nursing station,” said Democratic Sen. Nan Orrock.
Wrapping up: 2024 Georgia Legislature
Check on the status of top bills and resolutions we are watching on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Bill Tracker
At a glance: What passed, what didn’t on Day 40
Top headlines
- Kemp signs budget with raises for 300,000 teachers, state workers
- Veto day: Kemp’s deadline to sign or nix Georgia proposals
- Governor signs bill requiring cash bail for more offenses
- Bill requires Georgia sheriffs to enforce federal immigration law
- 5 things about the new Georgia school voucher program
Top politics news, delivered: Sign up for the subscriber-only Politically Georgia newsletter or the Politically Georgia P.M. Update for news by email.
About the Author
Michelle Baruchman covers the Georgia House of Representatives and statewide issues. She is a politics news and enterprise reporter covering statewide political stories.
