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Committee backs bill to expand naloxone access in schools after student and public testimony
Summary
Senate Bill 164, which would broaden opioid antagonist access in Colorado schools and streamline the Naloxone Book Fund, won committee support after extensive testimony from students, survivors, and public health advocates; three technical amendments were adopted and the sponsor requested a floor speech instead of placing the bill on the consent
Senate Bill 164, a measure to expand access to opioid antagonists such as naloxone (Narcan) in Colorado schools and to streamline administration of the Naloxone Book Fund, was recommended favorably by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee after student advocates and public health officials testified.
Sponsor Senator Winter told the committee SB 164 would cut red tape so opioid antagonists could be more readily available in schools without prior training, and would allow students to carry and administer an opioid antagonist if a school employee believes the student is in a position to assist during an opioid‑related overdose. The bill also would give the State Board of Health authority to set eligible recipients of the Naloxone Book Fund rather than listing them in statute.
Multiple students who helped craft the measure testified. McKenna James, chair of the Naloxone distribution committee of the Colorado Youth Advisory Council, told the committee that in many rural communities “there is no guarantee that an ambulance will arrive in time,” and she supported making naloxone more directly available in schools. Caitlin Pollison described friends and classmates who had experienced overdoses at school and urged lawmakers to expand access. Peter Hollywood, a youth council member from Weld County, told the committee he supports adding naloxone to AED cabinets and said “minutes matter in an overdose.”
State and disability advocates also testified in support. Michael O’Neill of the Colorado Cross Disability Coalition said that naloxone availability “saves lives” and that the legislation recognizes reality on the ground. Departments’ staff worked with sponsors in drafting technical changes.
The committee adopted three largely technical amendments (L001, L002 and L003) that clarified language, expanded the bill’s eligibility lists and fixed a minor typographical error. Senator Winter asked the committee not to put the bill on the consent calendar so she could speak on the floor; the committee reported SB 164 to the committee of the whole with a favorable recommendation.
Why it matters: Testimony highlighted that youth, including students in rural areas, are experiencing opioid‑related incidents and that rapid access to naloxone in schools can save lives. Supporters said the bill balances access and local flexibility by letting schools and the State Board of Health determine distribution priorities.
What’s next: The sponsor said she intends to make a floor statement; the Committee reported SB 164 favorably to the Committee of the Whole.
