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Committee hears bill to standardize Narcan policies for students and schools
Summary
Delegate Vogel presented HB 222 to require school districts to adopt local policies allowing trained students to carry and administer naloxone (Narcan) with Good Samaritan protections; sponsor said the State Department of Education filed favorable testimony and claimed Narcan can be "upwards of 90% effective."
Delegate Vogel told the Ways and Means Committee that House Bill 222 would create a more uniform approach across Maryland for the administration of naloxone (Narcan) in schools.
Vogel said the bill would encourage school districts to adopt policies that allow trained students to carry and, in good-faith situations, administer Narcan. "We want our students to be prepared to be trained, to save a classmate's life," Vogel said, and later stated that Narcan "can be upwards of 90% effective at saving someone's life." He urged the committee to pass the measure to ensure students are not punished for carrying life-saving medication.
Committee members asked whether HB 222 differs from a version held last year; Vogel said it does not in substance but noted that the State Department of Education has provided favorable testimony and offered friendly amendments. Elliot Williams and Delegate Eversol asked about training and whether Assembly officers are trained; Vogel said broader training is desirable and emphasized Good Samaritan protections for students acting in good faith.
The committee noted HB 222 is jointly assigned with Appropriations (which was in briefing) and concluded the day's hearings.
What’s next: Because the bill is jointly assigned with Appropriations, members indicated Appropriations may follow up. The committee did not vote on the bill during the Jan. 20 hearing.
