Bipartisan Michaelson Jenet Bill to Prevent Youth Overdose Deaths Clears Committee

Michaelson Jenet: “This important legislation, which came to us from students who have been impacted firsthand by this terrible epidemic, gives schools more tools to combat this crisis and will ultimately save lives.”

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, that would prevent youth overdose deaths and save lives cleared the Senate Education Committee today.

Cosponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, HB24-1003 would make opiate antagonists like Narcan and drug testing strips widely available on school buses and in school buildings.

“Our young people have not escaped being harmed by the opioid crisis that is impacting every corner of our state, and we must do more to protect them,” Michaelson Jenet said. “This important legislation, which came to us from students who have been impacted directly by this terrible epidemic, gives schools more badly-needed tools to combat this crisis and will ultimately save lives.”

Right now, specific educators who receive training are permitted to administer opiate antagonists to students. HB24-1003 would extend those protections to bus drivers, and would also allow school boards to maintain a supply of opiate antagonists on school buses and testing strips in schools.

The bill would also allow for trained students to possess and administer opiate antagonists on school grounds, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored event.

HB24-1003 will now move for further consideration before the full Senate. Track its progress HERE.