Legislation which would require public schools and government buildings to maintain a stash of opioid antagonists has been signed into law.
Governor Brian Kemp recently signed Senate Bill 395, donned “Wesley’s Law,” requires public schools, including charter schools, to keep a supply of opioid antagonists on hand and allows visitors and staff to possess the product for school and after-school events. The bill was sponsored by Senator Clint Dixon.
More specifically, Wesley’s Law “authorizes the possession of medications that block the effects of opioids in all qualified government buildings and courthouses, including school property.”
The bill applies to naloxone, hydrochloride, or any other similarly acting drug that is approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of an opioid related overdoses. Additionally, the legislation:
- requires the school’s supply of the medication to be in a secure location
- allows school personnel to administer an opioid antagonist to any person who the school personnel believes in good faith to be experiencing an opioid overdose
- allows school personnel to carry an opioid antagonist on his/her person while in school, at a school sponsored activity, or on school operated property
- requires immediate EMS contact after administration of the medication
- provides immunity from civil liability for any act or omission of an act related to the administration of the medication
- requires a supply of at least 3 vials at any courthouse or government building
Sen. Dixon said of the bill’s enactment:
“Wesley’s Law’ is an incredibly important bill to my family and I. It is vital to ensure that our state buildings, particularly Georgia schools, have access to this life-saving medication. In today’s society, we’re all aware of the disastrous effects opioid addiction and overdose can have on individuals and families. This legislation takes direct action to mitigate these negative outcomes. It’s a great honor to have worked alongside so many to shepherd this bill through the Senate and House, on its journey toward being signed by our governor.”
