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HD 1593

An Act requiring opioid use disorder education

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 15 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill requires schools to teach students about opioid use disorder, addiction risks, and treatment options to combat the ongoing overdose crisis.

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Bill Summary · HD 1593

Legislative bill overview

HD 1593 requires Massachusetts to establish and implement opioid use disorder (OUD) education programs in public schools. The bill mandates that students receive evidence-based instruction about opioid risks, addiction, treatment options, and harm reduction strategies as part of health curriculum requirements.

Why is this important

Opioid addiction remains a significant public health crisis in Massachusetts, with thousands of overdose deaths annually. Early education about opioids, their dangers, and available treatments can reduce stigma, increase awareness of addiction as a medical condition, and potentially prevent or delay substance use initiation among young people.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs and burden: Schools must develop or adopt curricula and train educators, requiring funding and staff time that may strain school budgets already facing resource constraints
  • Age-appropriateness concerns: Debate over what content is suitable for different grade levels and whether detailed OUD education might inadvertently provide problematic information to younger students
  • Parental notification and opt-out provisions: Disagreement over whether parents should be notified in advance and whether students should have opt-out rights, balancing parental authority with public health goals
  • Curriculum scope and standardization: Questions about whether the state or individual districts should define standards, and whether to include naloxone/Narcan training or information about medication-assisted treatment

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

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