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DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation to save lives and prevent overdoses. SB25-164 would allow anyone to administer opioid-antagonists, such as Naloxone, to someone experiencing an overdose at a Colorado public school.
“Our students are losing friends and peers to preventable overdoses – we need to do more to save lives,” said Rep. Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora. “During an overdose, time is of the essence, and this bill makes Naloxone more accessible in schools. Additionally, our bill would remove the unnecessary training requirements to administer opioid-antagonists, so anyone can act quickly to save a life.”
“When compared to other states, Colorado ranks near the top for fatal youth overdoses,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “Fatal overdoses are preventable, and we should be doing everything we can to save a life. Our bill works to make opioid-antagonists more accessible in Colorado public schools and school buses by allowing them to be placed in AED defibrillator cabinets.”
SB25-164, passed committee by a vote of 12-1. This legislation aims to boost access to Naloxone in schools to combat fatal overdoses. While training is still encouraged, SB25-164 would remove cumbersome training requirements to administer Naloxone so anyone could help reverse an overdose.
To increase access to Naloxone during an emergency, this bill would allow it to be placed inside AED defibrillator cabinets located in schools and on school buses. This bill also streamlines the Naloxone Bulk Fund to make it more accessible and efficient for schools. Specifically, allowing staff of the statewide program to focus on overdose prevention outreach, education and training in rural and underserved areas.
A 2024 study revealed that Colorado ranked second in the nation for fatal youth overdoses.
Colorado lawmakers have worked to combat the youth overdose crisis in Colorado. HB25-1293, also sponsored by Rep. Jackson, would require public high schools to adopt education standards focused on drug overdose identification, risks, prevention, and response. SB25-164 builds upon previous legislation allowing school districts to maintain a supply of Naloxone to be used on buses and at school sponsored events.