Bill
SD 869
Requires opioid use disorder education in Massachusetts public schools, teaching overdose recognition, naloxone use, destigmatization, and medical amnesty within existing curricula.
Overview
- Purpose: To require opioid use disorder education as part of the existing drug, alcohol, and tobacco use education standards in Massachusetts public schools.
- Basis in law: Inserts a new Section 1U into Chapter 69 of the General Laws, building on standards established under Section 1D.
- Scope: Applies to public schools and related public education entities, including school districts, charter schools, approved private day or residential schools, and collaborative schools.
What the bill would do
- Education standards (Section 1U(a)): The existing drug, alcohol and tobacco education standards would be amended to promote:
- Understanding of opioid use disorder, including opioids and opiates and how substance use disorders develop
- Procedures to identify an opioid overdose
- Naloxone: what it is, where to find it, and how to use it to reverse an overdose
- Destigmatization of naloxone possession
- Existing statewide medical amnesty for laypeople who administer naloxone or contact emergency services during an overdose
- Curriculum integration (Section 1U(b)): Each school entity (districts, charters, approved private day/residential schools, and collaborative schools) must incorporate the opioid use disorder education standards into its existing curriculum, including health education.
- Funding (Section 1U(c)): The Department may pursue federal, state, or other funding to implement this section.
Who would be affected
- Students attending public schools, charter schools, approved private day or residential schools, and collaborative schools in Massachusetts.
- School personnel responsible for health and education curricula, as well as administration involved in implementing new standards.
- Communities and families, through increased awareness of overdose identification and response.
Key details and context
- Standards linkage: The new Section 1U references standards established under Section 1D, ensuring alignment with existing education standards framework.
- Overdose response: Emphasizes practical skills (overdose recognition, naloxone use) and policy concepts (medical amnesty) to improve on-the-ground responses.
- Destigmatization: Specifically calls for destigmatizing naloxone possession, supporting broader acceptance and willingness to administer naloxone in emergencies.
Status and timeline
- Bill number: Senate Docket No. 869 (public record indicates filing in 2025, with petition dates in 2025).
- Status: Not specified in the provided text. The version content shows the bill was filed and moving through the Senate in the 2025-2026 session; the exact progress or final enactment status is not included here.
- Note on dates: The prompt lists an introduced date of 11/29/2025, while the accompanying content shows a filing date of 1/15/2025 and petition dates in February–May 2025. The summary reflects the content provided.
Impact considerations
- Potential benefits: Improved student understanding of opioid use disorder, better overdose recognition and response, broader naloxone accessibility, and reduced stigma surrounding overdose care.
- Resource needs: Possible costs for curriculum development, teacher training, and materials; funding provisions acknowledge potential external support to offset costs.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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