California high school students will receive instruction on the dangers of fentanyl, as Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new bill into law last week requiring fentanyl education in health classes.
Assembly Bill 2429, introduced by Asm. David Alvarez (D–San Diego), aims to deter fentanyl use among teenagers through education and provide them with the tools to recognize its impacts and assist in an emergency.
The big picture: The bill passed through both the Assembly and Senate with near unanimous votes.
- The curriculum will include education on synthetic opioids, non-synthetic opioids, illicit drugs, different variations of fentanyl, the risks of using fentanyl, lacing or mixing fentanyl with other drugs, and how to identify and save someone from a fentanyl overdose.
- Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, districts, private schools, or charter schools requiring health courses for graduation will be mandated to incorporate fentanyl education into their curriculum.
