Committee lays over bill to let students self‑carry naloxone with parental permission

Senate File 1687, introduced March 24 by Sen. Seaburger, would permit high school students (grades 9–12) to self‑carry naloxone (Narcan) on school grounds with parental permission. The committee laid the bill over for possible inclusion in the omnibus policy bill.

Seaburger said the bill addresses inconsistent school policies about what students may carry; he noted naloxone has no known contraindications if given to a person not experiencing an opioid overdose and stressed seconds can be decisive in saving a life. Family advocates, including Bridget Noring, whose 19‑year‑old son died of fentanyl poisoning, described outreach and education work and urged easier access to naloxone. Multiple student witnesses — including Sophia Templos, Myla Madel, Kamari York and others — testified in support, recounting personal losses and urging that students be allowed to carry naloxone to protect peers.

MSP testimony showed some districts already keep naloxone in school offices or with staff; sponsors said the bill aims to allow trained students to carry the antidote in settings where seconds matter. Committee members asked medical and practical questions; one member asked whether naloxone administration could harm a person experiencing a non‑overdose medical event; witnesses said naloxone poses little risk if administered to someone who has not experienced an opioid overdose. The committee laid the bill over for further consideration in the omnibus process.