Kuderer bill to increase NARCAN availability in schools signed into law 

TULALIP—A bill unanimously passed out of the House and Senate was signed into law today, effectively increasing availability of potentially life-saving over-the-counter opioid overdose treatment (NARCAN) in schools amidst a climb in youth overdose rates. 

Prior statute required that only school districts with over 2000 students keep or make an attempt to keep a single dose at their high schools. SB 5804 increases NARCAN availability by expanding that mandate to include all school districts in the state, regardless of size. 

“The goal is to have life-saving tools available to students, teachers, and others in cases of both intentional and accidental exposure. This legislation will put over-the-counter opioid overdose treatment (NARCAN) in all schools in the state, including charter schools, state tribal compact schools, elementary, middle and high schools,” said prime sponsor Sen. Patty Kuderer (D-Bellevue).