California’s State Assembly has passed AB 602, a bill designed to protect college students from suspension or expulsion if they call 911 during an overdose-related emergency. Known as the Campus Overdose Prevention Act, the bill now awaits Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature before the September 30 deadline. Current policies allow students found near drugs or alcohol to face academic disciplinary action, which supporters argue discourages students from seeking help in emergencies and contributes to fentanyl-related deaths.
The bill, championed by Assemblymember Matt Haney, aims to prevent overdose deaths by removing the fear of academic penalties. Haney emphasized, “During an overdose any hesitation can be deadly,” as reported by the Los Angeles Times. The bill requires schools to offer rehabilitation options and mandates that students who seek emergency medical assistance complete a treatment program.
Despite a nationwide decrease in synthetic opioid deaths, overdose remains the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 44. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provisionally estimates a 21% drop in overdose deaths in California from March 2024 to March 2025. However, opioid-related deaths, particularly from fentanyl, continue to be a significant concern.
California has taken steps to address the opioid crisis, including making the opioid overdose-reversing nasal spray Narcan available at campus health centers. Governor Newsom’s Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis includes public education campaigns and harm reduction resources. However, advocates for AB 602 argue that more needs to be done to encourage students to seek help during emergencies.
The bill extends some protections of the “911 Good Samaritan Law” to college campuses, but it does not cover students who call on behalf of an overdosing peer if they are found to have violated campus policies. Haney hopes to add this protection in the future. The bill addresses inconsistencies in substance use policies across California’s universities, providing clearer guidelines for students in crisis.
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