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SD 2172

An Act to support college students in recovery

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Becca Rausch

Creates campus recovery-focused housing and requires universal overdose prevention training with naloxone access at public Massachusetts colleges.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 2172

Summary: Senate Bill SD 2172 — An Act to support college students in recovery

Overview

Senate Bill SD 2172, titled “An Act to support college students in recovery,” seeks to enhance support for students recovering from substance use disorders at public institutions of higher education in Massachusetts. The bill amends Chapter 15A of the General Laws to add new provisions focused on recovery-focused housing and overdose prevention training.

Purpose and intent

  • Create an alcohol- and drug-free housing option on public college campuses for students in recovery.
  • Promote safer campus environments and provide targeted recovery supports to students with substance use disorders.
  • Expand overdose prevention efforts across public higher education campuses by mandating training and naloxone accessibility.

Key provisions

(a) Campus recovery-focused housing program

  • Public institutions of higher education that provide student housing must establish a college campus recovery-focused housing program.
  • The housing program must offer an alcohol- and drug-free environment for students in recovery.
  • Program components should include, at minimum:
    • Trauma-informed on-site counseling
    • Mentoring
    • Peer support

(b) Overdose prevention and training

  • Each public institution of higher education must provide overdose training to all students, faculty, and staff.
  • Institutions must make naloxone available for the purpose of treating overdoses, as appropriate.

Scope and affected entities

  • Applies to public institutions of higher education in Massachusetts that provide student housing.
  • Affects students in recovery, as well as the broader campus community (students, faculty, staff) who receive overdose prevention training.
  • Implementation responsibilities fall on the institutions’ housing and health/safety units.

Legislative history and status

  • Filed: January 17, 2025
  • Senate Docket: No. 2172; Presented by Sen. Rebecca L. Rausch
  • Related: Similar matter previously filed as Senate No. 847 (2023-2024)
  • Status/actions:
    • February 27, 2025: Referred to the Senate Committee on Higher Education
    • February 27, 2025: House concurred (indicating the House adopted the Senate version)

Implementation considerations and timeline

  • The text does not specify an explicit effective date; passage would typically establish the effective date as part of the enrolled bill.
  • Institutions may need to assess housing operations, staff training schedules, and procurement of naloxone to meet requirements.
  • Administrative coordination between housing, student services, and health/compliance offices will be necessary.

Potential impact

  • Enhanced support options for students in recovery through dedicated housing and recovery services.
  • Improved campus safety and readiness through universal overdose training and naloxone access.
  • Possible initial costs for program development, staff training, and naloxone distribution, balanced against potential long-term benefits for student retention and well-being.

Legal citation

  • Amends Chapter 15A of the General Laws by inserting new Section 46 after Section 45.

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

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