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HB 617

Education - As introduced, designates October as "Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month" in all public schools; requires local education agencies and public charter schools to provide age-appropriate, research-based instruction related to fentanyl abuse prevention and drug poisoning awareness to students in grades six through 12. - Amends TCA Title 15 and Title 49.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Dave Wright

Tennessee bill mandates fentanyl awareness education in grades 6-12 schools and designates October as awareness month to combat youth overdose crisis.

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Bill Summary · HB 617

Legislative bill overview

HB 617 establishes October as "Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month" in Tennessee public schools and mandates age-appropriate, research-based instruction on fentanyl abuse prevention and drug poisoning awareness for students in grades 6-12. The bill amends state education codes to incorporate this curriculum requirement into local education agencies and public charter schools.

Why is this important

Fentanyl overdoses have become a leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults in the United States. Providing students with evidence-based prevention education during their school years can increase awareness of fentanyl risks, overdose signs, and harm-reduction strategies like naloxone use. This directly addresses a public health crisis affecting Tennessee youth.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs and burden: Schools must develop or adopt curriculum materials and provide training for teachers, requiring resources that may strain already-limited education budgets
  • Curriculum scope and standardization: The bill specifies "research-based" instruction but doesn't define what this means, potentially leaving schools uncertain about content requirements and creating inconsistency across districts
  • Age-appropriateness debates: Parents and educators may disagree on what messaging is suitable for 6th graders versus 12th graders, with concerns that early exposure could be inappropriate or counterproductive

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

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