MD HB852

Drug addiction and prevention education programs in public schools must now include information on the mitigating effects of naloxone and other opioid overdose-reversing medications, in addition to existing instruction on heroin, opioid addiction, and fentanyl's lethal effects

Students, school staff, and any lawfully present individuals at public schools or school-sponsored events are authorized to possess naloxone or other opioid overdose-reversing medication

Any individual who responds in good faith to an overdose emergency at a school or higher education institution is granted immunity from personal liability, expanding protection beyond just school nurses and designated personnel

Higher education institutions must include information on naloxone's mitigating effects in their required heroin and opioid addiction awareness training for incoming students

The bill takes effect July 1, 2025 and removes outdated reporting requirements and a fiscal year 2019 appropriation provision of $3,000,000 for county board grants