Relating to measures to prevent and respond to opioid-related drug overdoses, including policies and training regarding the use of opioid antagonists, at student residences on campuses of public institutions of higher education; providing immunity.
Impact
The passage of HB 3338 would significantly alter the responsibilities of higher education institutions regarding drug overdose response on their campuses. Institutions must establish protocols for the acquisition, storage, maintenance, and disposal of opioid antagonists. Additionally, the bill requires training for residential advisors, ensuring they are equipped to recognize signs of overdose and administer Narcan when necessary. By implementing these measures, the bill promotes proactive engagement in emergency situations, contributing to a more responsive and responsible campus culture towards substance abuse health crises.
Summary
House Bill 3338, introduced by Representative Cole and sponsored in the Senate by Senator Johnson, is a bipartisan piece of legislation aimed at addressing the fentanyl crisis affecting higher education institutions in Texas. The bill mandates that institutions of higher education create and implement policies to ensure the availability of opioid antagonists, specifically Narcan, in residential facilities on campus. This legislation reflects a growing concern over opioid-related overdoses among students and aims to create a safer campus environment for all individuals residing in college housing. Supporters of the bill highlight its potential to save lives and mitigate the impact of drug overdoses on college campuses.
Sentiment
Overall, sentiment surrounding HB 3338 appears to be largely positive, with most legislators recognizing the urgency of combating the fentanyl crisis. The bill enjoys bipartisan support, reflecting a shared commitment to tackling the ongoing public health emergency. Nevertheless, some critics may argue about the adequacy of training programs or the implementation timeline, suggesting a need for comprehensive guidelines that ensure all campuses are fully prepared for such initiatives. This balance of support and caution underscores the importance of community safety while addressing substance abuse effectively.
Contention
One notable point of contention mentioned during discussions was the responsibility placed on higher education institutions to ensure compliance with the new policies and provide adequate training for staff. While supporters believe that these steps are necessary for enhancing campus safety, others raise concerns about the potential financial and operational burdens on schools, particularly smaller institutions with limited resources. Furthermore, the conversation around potential liability issues for institutions administering Narcan also surfaced, with the bill addressing this through provisions granting immunity to individuals acting in good faith during overdose interventions.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Education Code
Chapter 51. Provisions Generally Applicable To Higher Education
Relating to measures to prevent and respond to opioid-related drug overdoses, including policies and training regarding the use of opioid antagonists, at student residences on campuses of public institutions of higher education; providing immunity.
Relating to measures to prevent and respond to opioid-related drug overdoses, including policies and training regarding the use of opioid antagonists, at student residences on campuses of public institutions of higher education; providing immunity.
Relating to the use of opioid antagonists on the campuses of public and private schools and institutions of higher education and at or in transit to or from off-campus school events.
Relating to the maintenance, administration, and disposal of opioid antagonists on public and private school campuses and to the permissible uses of money appropriated to a state agency from the opioid abatement account.
Relating to the maintenance, administration, and disposal of opioid antagonists on public and private school campuses and to the permissible uses of money appropriated to a state agency from the opioid abatement account.
Relating to the prescription, administration, and possession of certain opioid antagonists for the treatment of suspected opioid overdoses, training about opioid antagonists and drug overdoses, and grants for related programs.
Relating to the use of opioid antagonists on the campuses of public and private schools and institutions of higher education and at or in transit to or from off-campus school events.
Relating to measures to prevent and respond to opioid-related drug overdoses, including policies and training regarding the use of opioid antagonists, at student residences on campuses of public institutions of higher education; providing immunity.
Relating to measures to prevent and respond to opioid-related drug overdoses, including policies and training regarding the use of opioid antagonists, at student residences on campuses of public institutions of higher education; providing immunity.
Relating to the maintenance, administration, and disposal of opioid antagonists on public and private school campuses and to the permissible uses of money appropriated to a state agency from the opioid abatement account.
Relating to the maintenance, administration, and disposal of opioid antagonists on public and private school campuses and to the permissible uses of money appropriated to a state agency from the opioid abatement account.
Relating to programs and initiatives to prevent and respond to opioid addiction, misuse, abuse, and overdose and identify and treat co-occurring substance use disorders and mental illness.