PA Bill Mandates Naloxone in All High Schools to Fight Opioids

HARRISBURG, Pa. — State Sens. Christine M. Tartaglione and Nikil Saval, both Philadelphia Democrats, introduced Senate Bill 1054 on Oct. 15, 2025, mandating that all Pennsylvania high schools — public, private, urban, rural and suburban — stock opioid antagonists like naloxone or Narcan onsite.[1][2] The legislation requires schools to follow overdose response procedures developed by the Department of Education in consultation with the Department of Health, marking the first statutory mandate for uniformity across the commonwealth.[1] It builds on former Gov. Tom Wolf's 2015 standing order permitting schools to store naloxone, but goes further by making it compulsory.[1][2] The bill emerged from collaboration with student leaders in the University of Pennsylvania Government and Politics Association’s Forum for Legislative Action, who contributed to its research and drafting earlier in 2025.[3] "Overdose is a top cause of death among children and adolescents, so equipping high schools is critical," Saval said, emphasizing overdose education and opt-in naloxone training as proven strategies to reduce deaths.[3] Tartaglione, representing parts of Philadelphia, noted the epidemic's toll on young lives in her district: "This bill ensures that every Pennsylvania high school has the tools and training to save lives."[1] Participation remains voluntary for school employees, who cannot be compelled to train or respond to overdoses, with training compensated if outside regular hours.[1][2] The measure now awaits Senate committee approval before a floor vote, potentially positioning Pennsylvania alongside states like New Jersey in requiring naloxone in high schools.[2] Amid ongoing efforts like Act 55's opioid prevention programs — including the HOPE Curriculum for middle and high schools — this bill targets immediate emergency response.[6]