Summary of HR 3130 - FACTS Act

Overview

The Fentanyl Awareness for Children and Teens in Schools Act, commonly referred to as the FACTS Act, was introduced in the House of Representatives on May 1, 2025. The bill aims to address the growing concern of synthetic opioid misuse, particularly fentanyl, among youth in educational settings.

Purpose

The primary intent of the FACTS Act is to enhance awareness, education, and prevention strategies related to synthetic opioid misuse and overdose among children and teenagers. The bill seeks to establish a comprehensive framework for educational institutions to combat this public health crisis.

Key Provisions

Title I: Partnership Grants for Local and State Educational Agencies

• Sec. 101: Establishes a pilot program focused on education, awareness, and prevention of synthetic opioid misuse and overdose.
• Sec. 102: Authorizes appropriations for the program and includes provisions for reserving funds for specific initiatives.

Title II: Establishment of an Interagency Task Force

• Sec. 201: Creates an Interagency Task Force dedicated to preventing synthetic opioid misuse and overdose among youth, facilitating collaboration across various government agencies.
• Sec. 202: Clarifies the rule of construction regarding the task force's operations.

Title III: Amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965

• Sec. 301: Mandates professional development for school personnel to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to address opioid misuse.
• Sec. 302: Requires amendments to local educational agency plans to incorporate strategies for opioid education and prevention.
• Sec. 303: Calls for amendments to state educational agency plans to align with the goals of the FACTS Act.

Title IV: Amendments to Department of Education Data Collection

• Sec. 401: Enhances the National Center for Education Statistics to include data on school crime and safety related to synthetic opioid misuse.

Title V: School-Based Health Centers and Reporting

• Sec. 501: Ensures the availability of naloxone (an opioid overdose reversal drug) in school-based health centers.
• Sec. 502: Amends the Monitoring the Future survey to include questions related to synthetic opioid use.
• Sec. 503: Updates the Youth Risk Behavior Survey to gather data on opioid misuse among students.
• Sec. 504: Evaluates the effectiveness and reach of the State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System.

Impact

The FACTS Act is designed to impact:
- Students: By providing education and resources to prevent opioid misuse.
- Educators: Through professional development and training on opioid-related issues.
- Local and State Educational Agencies: By requiring updates to plans and strategies for addressing opioid misuse.
- Health Centers: By ensuring access to life-saving medications like naloxone.

Legislative Actions

• On May 1, 2025, the bill was referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce and the Committee on Energy and Commerce for further consideration.

The FACTS Act represents a proactive approach to tackling the opioid crisis among youth, emphasizing education, prevention, and collaboration across various sectors.