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H 530

An Act requiring opioid use disorder education

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 19 co-sponsors

Requires opioid use disorder education in Massachusetts schools, covering overdose ID, naloxone use, stigma reduction, and medical amnesty, with DESE funding support.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 530

Summary: H.530 An Act Requiring Opioid Use Disorder Education

Overview

H.530, filed February 27, 2025 by Representative Michelle L. Ciccolo, would amend Chapter 69 of the General Laws to require opioid use disorder (OUD) education standards and their incorporation into school curricula. The bill aims to improve understanding of OUD among students, including identification of overdoses, naloxone use, stigma reduction, and awareness of medical amnesty provisions. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) would have authority to pursue funding to implement these provisions.

Key Provisions

  • Section 1U added to Chapter 69:
    • (a) Standards established under section 1D for drug, alcohol, and tobacco use education shall promote an understanding of opioid use disorder, covering:
    • (i) opioids, opiates, and how substance use disorder occurs
    • (ii) procedures to identify an opioid overdose
    • (iii) naloxone: what it is, where to find it, and how to use it to reverse an overdose
    • (iv) destigmatizing naloxone possession
    • (v) existing statewide medical amnesty for laypeople who administer naloxone or contact emergency services in suspected overdose cases
    • (b) School districts, charter schools, approved private day or residential schools, or collaborative schools must incorporate these OUD education standards into existing curricula, including health education.
    • (c) DESE may apply for federal, state, or other funding to implement this section.

Affected Entities

  • Primary: Public schools and school districts in Massachusetts (including charter schools, approved private day/residential schools, and collaborative schools)
  • Teachers and school staff, who would deliver the updated health education content
  • DESE and, potentially, state education funding programs for implementation

Implementation and Funding

  • The bill authorizes DESE to seek and apply for funding to support the implementation of the OUD education standards.
  • Implementation would be integrated into existing health education and related curricula across affected schools.

Timeline and Status

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Referred to: Education (February 27, 2025)
  • Related actions listed include hearings and committee actions:
    • Hearing scheduled (July 21, 2025) in Gardner Auditorium
    • Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to House Ways and Means (October 2, 2025)
    • Senate concurrence noted in the bill’s record
  • Related Bill: HD 1593 (replaces)

Notes

  • The bill explicitly links OUD education to existing drug, alcohol, and tobacco education standards (section 1D) and requires incorporation into standard curricula.
  • Emphasizes practical components (overdose identification, naloxone use,Medical amnesty) and stigma reduction.

This summary reflects the bill’s current text and status as of the latest legislative actions provided.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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