House Passes Bipartisan Bill to Combat Youth Overdose

DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation to standardize drug overdose education in Colorado’s public high schools. HB25-1293, which passed by a vote of 60-4, aims to keep students informed and safe. 

“Fatal overdoses are preventable, and we’re working to inform and educate Colorado high school students so lives can be saved,” said Rep. Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora. “This bipartisan bill standardizes drug overdose education in our public schools so our high schoolers are better informed and can act quickly during an overdose emergency. We’re fighting back against youth overdose deaths, and if this education requirement saves even one student, it will be worth it.”

HB25-1293, also sponsored by Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs, requires the State Board of Education to adopt standards regarding drug overdose education in schools.

The bill requires the State Board of Education to adopt health education standards for 9th through 12th grades in public schools on drug overdose identification, risks, prevention, and response by 2028 or earlier. HB25-1293 would standardize Colorado’s public school response to drug overdose, spread prevention awareness and save students’ lives. 

Colorado lawmakers have made strides to help prevent youth overdoses in schools. Last year, a bipartisan group of legislators championed a law that made opiate antagonists and drug testing strips available on school buses and in school buildings. Rep. Jackson is also sponsoring SB25-164, which would improve access to Naloxone in schools to combat fatal overdoses.