Bill to Prevent Youth Overdoses Clears Senate

HB25-1293 would increase overdose prevention education and treatments in Colorado high schools

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, to prevent youth overdoses passed the Senate today. 

“Opioid overdose is the third leading cause of deaths among young people in our nation, and we must be doing more to combat these tragedies,” Snyder said. “This bill outlines commonsense solutions to equip students with the tools they need to prevent overdose and save lives.”

Cosponsored by Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, HB25-1293 would add education standards for opioid overdose identification, risks, prevention, and response to high school curricula statewide. It would also allow public and non-public schools to seek gifts, grants, and donations to acquire and maintain a supply of Naloxone and other opioid antagonists on school campuses.

Colorado has the second highest rate of overdose deaths among adolescents nationwide. Overdose education and Naloxone distribution are proven to be crucial in preventing death due to opioid overdose. 

Last year, Colorado lawmakers championed a law that made opioid antagonists and drug testing strips available on school buses and in school buildings. 

HB25-1293 now moves back to the House for consideration of amendments. Track its progress HERE.