House panel advances bill to add opioid-overdose education, allow naloxone funding pathways for high schools

House Bill 1293, sponsored by Representative Dena Jackson, took a step forward in the Colorado House Education Committee after supporters said the measure would expand students’ ability to prevent and respond to opioid overdoses and opponents warned it could let pharmaceutical money influence school supplies.

Jackson framed the bill as a 2‑pronged approach: "First, through education and prevention. . . . Second, access to life‑saving medication," she told the committee, saying the State Board of Education would be required to integrate evidence‑based overdose prevention into high‑school health standards and that the board could seek public or private funding for opioid antagonists such as naloxone.

Why it matters: Supporters said opioids, particularly fentanyl, are appearing in the teen drug supply and that students and bystanders need consistent, evidence‑based information and access to reversal medication. Opponents, including providers who deliver harm‑reduction and behavioral‑health services, said schools already partner with local experts and receive naloxone through a state bulk‑purchase fund and voiced particular concern about private donations and the danger of higher‑dose products.

Committee debate and changes: Sponsors brought amendments during the hearing to address several concerns raised in stake‑holding. Representative Jackson and Minority Leader Brett Pugliese said they removed a training requirement that would have been tied to student access to naloxone so the bill remained consistent with pending Senate action. The sponsors also added a deadline amendment that would let the State Board implement standards off cycle if $20,000 in non‑general‑fund gifts or grants were received by July 1, 2027; if not, the standards would enter the regular 2028 review cycle.

Who spoke: Supporters included Jackson and Pugliese (bill sponsors), medical students and physician groups, Mental Health Colorado and Parent Teacher Association representatives. Opposition testimony featured Bria Kinsella, CEO of the Colorado Providers Association; Betsy Craft of Colorado Drug Policy Coalition; Lisa Rayville of the Harm Reduction Action Center; and other behavioral‑health and peer‑led groups. Kinsella told the committee, "There is no urgent gap in access that this bill addresses," arguing that the state bulk purchase fund already supplies naloxone to schools. Rayville and others warned the bill could create a route for higher‑dose naloxone to reach schools.

Funding and oversight: Sponsors said the bill contains a fiscal note tied only to an off‑cycle implementation ($20,000) that would be met with gifts, grants or donations; they stressed the bill will not go into effect on the standard schedule unless the money is raised. Legislative Council staff explained the timing mechanics in response to member questions; sponsors said appropriations would confirm fiscal impacts before floor action.

Committee action and next steps: The committee approved amendments and moved the bill to the Appropriations Committee with a favorable recommendation. The committee record shows the bill passed the Education Committee unanimously and will go to Appropriations for further review.

What remains open: Opponents urged stronger language to require that community harm‑reduction providers and peers be explicitly included in standards development and to limit private donations as a source of naloxone for schools. Sponsors said they are open to further amendments and stakeholder input as the bill advances.

Votes at a glance House Education Committee—HB 1293 (as amended): moved to Appropriations with favorable recommendation; committee recorded the bill as passing the Education Committee and headed to Appropriations (unanimous on the floor of the committee; detailed roll‑call tally not specified in the transcript).