Requires the education department, in consultation with the department of health, to develop and adopt a comprehensive fentanyl education, awareness, and recognition program for all public, charter, and private schools in the state.
Impact
The bill amends existing education law to ensure fentanyl awareness is an integral part of health education curricula. Schools will be required to conduct annual assemblies focused on fentanyl education, which include presentations from health officials about the dangers and statistics related to fentanyl use. Furthermore, schools will be mandated to stock naloxone on their premises and staff will receive training on its administration. This key focus on promoting preparedness and awareness reflects a shift towards proactive measures in combating drug abuse at a community level. Funding for these initiatives will be appropriated to support the program's development and implementation.
Summary
S08466, known as the 'Fentanyl Fathers and Mothers Act,' seeks to address the growing public health crisis associated with fentanyl abuse among youth in New York. The bill mandates the development of a comprehensive fentanyl education and awareness program to be implemented in all public, charter, and private schools across the state. The program aims to equip students from grades six through twelve with essential knowledge about fentanyl, including its risks, how to recognize the signs of overdose, and the proper use of naloxone, an opioid antagonist critical for overdose prevention. Additionally, bereaved parents who have lost children to fentanyl are encouraged to share their personal stories to enhance the impact of this education.
Contention
While the bill aims to promote public health and safety, it may face opposition regarding the incorporation of personal testimony from bereaved parents. Some lawmakers and advocates might argue that such narratives could be emotionally charged and might not fit into traditional educational frameworks. Moreover, the requirement for schools to stock naloxone could raise concerns about the associated responsibilities and liabilities for school staff in handling medical interventions on-site. Balancing rigorous education with trauma-informed approaches may become a discussion point among legislators and stakeholders involved in the bill's progression.
Same As
Requires the education department, in consultation with the department of health, to develop and adopt a comprehensive fentanyl education, awareness, and recognition program for all public, charter, and private schools in the state.
Directs the department of economic development, in conjunction with other departments and entities, to conduct a comprehensive study of public and private museums, including taking a census of public and private museums in the state, and to report the findings and recommendations of such study.
Directs the department of economic development, in conjunction with other departments and entities, to conduct a comprehensive study of public and private museums, including taking a census of public and private museums in the state, and to report the findings and recommendations of such study.
Directs the department of labor, in consultation with the division of human rights and the department of health to produce a model training program on neurodiversity awareness.
Requires the regents of the university of the state of New York to make available to all public and private schools in the state materials and pacing guides to aid in the instruction of the Holocaust and other genocides; requires such materials and pacing guides to be developed to provide education aligned with the regents kindergarten through twelfth grade social studies framework and to be developed by the regents in consultation with Holocaust education centers and museums.
Requires the department of education to develop school health and mental health professionals to student ratios in public schools for students who do not receive services pursuant to the individuals with disabilities education act.
Requires the department of education to develop school health and mental health professionals to student ratios in public schools for students who do not receive services pursuant to the individuals with disabilities education act.
Requires all public and private schools to provide financial literacy education to pupils in grade eleven; directs that certain topics be covered in such educational program.
Requires all public and private schools to provide financial literacy education to pupils in grade eleven; directs that certain topics be covered in such educational program.
Provides that the department of health may conduct education and outreach programs promoting public awareness of the dangers of fatal and non-fatal drowning.
Provides that the department of health may conduct education and outreach programs promoting public awareness of the dangers of fatal and non-fatal drowning.