House establishes fentanyl awareness day and expands naloxone access in schools and colleges

Two measures addressing the opioid and fentanyl crisis passed the Florida House on April 3, 2025.

House Bill 259, sponsored by Representative Gerwig, designates Aug. 21 as a state observance and education day on the fentanyl crisis. "House Bill 2 59 recognizes August 21 as a state day of observance and education on the fentanyl crisis," Gerwig said. Members emphasized the public-health toll in floor debate: "Over 6,000 people died in this state in 2022 because of fentanyl," a lawmaker said during closing remarks in support of the bill. The measure passed 106-0 as announced by the clerk.

A related measure, HB 355, sponsored by Representative Jay Alvarez, expands authority for public K-12 schools and postsecondary institutions to purchase, store and use emergency opioid antagonists that are FDA-approved; the bill is not limited to naloxone if other FDA-approved antagonists become available. Representative Alvarez described the bill in floor remarks: "HP 3 55 amends existing Florida statutes to enhance the ability of emergency opioid antagonist in public k through 12 schools and post secondary educational institution." The bill passed with broad support; the clerk recorded the final tally as "A hundred and 7 yays, 0 nays."

Supporters said the pair of bills will increase public awareness of fentanyl'related harms and give schools more flexibility to respond to overdoses. Sponsor Gerwig and other members urged colleagues to use the designated day for education and remembrance and to reinforce prevention and treatment programs.

Ending: Both measures passed the House unanimously and advance to the Senate; backers said the moves will improve education and life-saving responses on campus and in K-12 settings.