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Bill Summary · HF 3349

Summary of HF 3349 (2025-2026) – Minnesota

Overview

  • Title: High school students allowed to possess and administer opiate antagonists
  • Session/Jurisdiction: Minnesota, 2025-2026
  • Current Status: Introduced and referred to Education Policy (as of 2026-02-17). Authors subsequently added as co-sponsors (Feb 19–23, 2026).
  • Sponsors:
    • Primary authors not listed in the provided text, but co-sponsors include: John Huot, Bianca Virnig, Larry Kraft, Kari Rehrauer.

Purpose and Intent

The bill aims to authorize high school students to possess and administer opiate antagonist medications (commonly naloxone) in school settings. The core intent is to improve access to overdose-reversal treatment for students, staff, and visitors during school hours or school-sponsored activities and to reduce opioid-related fatalities among minors and school communities.

Key Provisions (as typically included in this policy area)

While the exact statutory language is not provided here, bills with this title generally include provisions such as:
- Authorization to Possess and Administer: High school students may legally possess opiate antagonists on school property and during school activities.
- Access and Training Requirements: Requirements for obtaining the medication, storage standards, and ensuring appropriate training for students who are designated to administer the antidote (often through school staff or designated student roles).
- Overdose Notification and Response Protocols: Procedures for recognizing an overdose, notifying appropriate school personnel, and coordinating with emergency medical services (EMS).
- Liability Protections: Immunity or reduced liability for students and school staff who administer the antagonist in good faith and without malicious intent.
- Parental/Guardian Notifications: Guidelines for informing parents or guardians about their child’s possession or use of the medication.
- Oversight and Accountability: Mechanisms for record-keeping, reporting to school administration, and potential annual reviews or training mandates.
- Medication Storage and Accessibility: Safe storage requirements, typically in a secure but accessible location in the school, with a clearly labeled naloxone kit.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Students: High school students would be permitted to possess and administer opiate antagonists under specified conditions.
  • School Staff: May be involved in training, supervision, and administration protocols; could receive liability protections and guidance on supervising student possession and use.
  • Schools and School Districts: Responsible for implementing the program, maintaining compliance with storage, training, and reporting requirements.
  • Families/Guardians: Involvement in notification processes and consent considerations may be included.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and Referral: The bill was introduced and referred to the Education Policy committee on February 17, 2026.
  • Author Additions: Subsequent changes to authorship occurred on February 19 and February 23, 2026, adding co-sponsors.
  • Next Steps (typical): If advanced, the Education Policy committee would review, potentially amend, and vote. The bill would then move to the floor for debate and a full chamber vote, followed by the other legislative chamber as applicable, and potential conference committee if needed.

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Public Health Impact: Facilitates rapid response to opioid overdoses in schools, potentially reducing fatalities and improving student safety.
  • Implementation: Success relies on effective training, proper storage, clear protocols, and coordination with local EMS.
  • Liability and Protections: Clear protection provisions are important to encourage participation by students and staff without fear of legal repercussions when acting in good faith.
  • Equity and Access: Ensures that students across diverse school settings have access to life-saving intervention in emergencies.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to include hypothetical text extracts, compare with related statutes, or create a concise one-page briefing for school boards or constituent communications.

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

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