School Access to Naloxone Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- S. 3588
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-19: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Hearings held.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-01T18:13:49Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The School Access to Naloxone Act of 2026 aims to address the opioid crisis by funding programs that equip elementary and secondary schools with the resources and trained staff needed to respond to suspected opioid overdoses. It focuses on enabling the use of emergency drugs and devices, such as naloxone (a medication that reverses opioid overdoses), to prevent deaths in school settings.
Key Provisions
- Amendments to Existing Grants (Section 2): Updates Section 544 of the Public Health Service Act to expand grant uses for reducing opioid overdose deaths. This includes funding not just for prescribing but also for administering opioid overdose reversal drugs and devices. It also authorizes additional appropriations to support both the existing program and a new school-specific initiative.
- New Grant Program for Schools (Section 3): Introduces Section 544A, allowing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to eligible entities (such as state or local governments) to support opioid overdose response in public and private elementary and secondary schools.
- Application Requirements: Eligible entities must submit applications including details on program plans, certifications for each school, and other information required by the Secretary.
- School Certifications: For each participating school, entities must certify:
- A program exists allowing trained school personnel to administer emergency drugs or devices for known or suspected opioid overdoses.
- Supplies of these drugs and devices are kept in easily accessible locations.
- At least one trained individual is on site during all school operating hours.
- The state's attorney general confirms that state laws provide sufficient civil liability protection (often called "Good Samaritan" laws) for trained personnel acting in emergencies.
- Definitions:
- Civil liability protection law: State laws that shield individuals from lawsuits when they provide emergency aid to someone who is ill or in danger.
- Eligible entity: Defined as in the existing Section 544 (typically state or local health/education agencies).
- Trained personnel: School nurses, health center staff, or others designated by school leaders who have received documented training meeting medical standards for administering overdose reversal drugs/devices.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Expands the scope of Section 544 grants from focusing primarily on prescribing opioid reversal treatments to explicitly including their administration.
- Adds a dedicated new section (544A) targeting elementary and secondary schools, which were not specifically addressed before, creating a targeted funding stream for school-based overdose prevention.
- Introduces mandatory state attorney general certifications on liability protections, ensuring legal safeguards before funding is provided.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Department of Health and Human Services will administer new grants, potentially increasing administrative workload but enhancing federal support for public health initiatives. States and localities may need to coordinate with schools and attorneys general to apply for and implement funding.
- On Citizens: Students, staff, and visitors in schools could benefit from faster emergency responses to opioid overdoses, potentially saving lives in areas affected by the opioid crisis. It promotes safer school environments without restricting access to education.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as this is a domestic public health measure focused on U.S. schools.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Schools and Educational Institutions: Public and private elementary/secondary schools must develop programs, stock supplies, and train personnel to participate.
- School Personnel: Nurses, health staff, and designated administrators who will receive training and handle emergency administrations.
- Students and Families: Primarily youth at risk of or exposed to opioid overdoses, including those with addiction issues or accidental exposures.
- State and Local Governments: Eligible entities applying for grants; attorneys general providing liability certifications.
- Federal Government: The Secretary of Health and Human Services overseeing grant distribution and appropriations.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on state "Good Samaritan" laws to protect trained personnel from civil lawsuits, reducing barriers to implementation but requiring state-level review. This could encourage states to strengthen such protections if they are inadequate.
- Constitutional: No apparent conflicts; it supports public health under Congress's spending power without infringing on individual rights or state authority.
- Political: Builds on bipartisan efforts to combat the opioid epidemic (introduced by senators from both parties), potentially influencing education and health policy by integrating overdose response into school safety protocols. It highlights ongoing national priorities for youth protection amid rising overdose rates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (6)
Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR], Sen. Fetterman, John [D-PA], Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM], Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-19: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Hearings held.
- 2026-01-07: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 2026-01-07: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- School Access to Naloxone Act of 2026 — issued 2026-01-07 — PDF (5 pages)