School districts being able to acquire opioid antagonists got a step closer.

 

Senate Health and Human Services committee members passed Senate Bill 84, which permits a school district to possess and, if needed, administer opioid antagonists, on a 7-0 vote.

 

SB 84 permits a school board to acquire opioid antagonists, as it would be directed in state law and administrative rule, make the medicine available to trained school personnel in the event it’s needed and grants immunity from civil liability to the districts and personnel participating in the program.

 

“We think this a good bridge step,” DOH Secretary Kim Malsam-Rydsom told committee members. “We stand ready to help schools.”

 

Sen. Jim Stalzer, the bill’s prime sponsor, said funding through grants or possibly through directly supply from opioid antagonist producers, will bring the medicine to the schools.

 

“If this can save one life, let’s do it,” Sen. Arthur Rusch said.

 

ASBSD is monitoring the bill, which heads to the Senate floor for review

 

For updates on the bill and other legislation throughout session, check the ASBSD Blog, Twitter feed, Facebook page and Bill Tracker.