California bill introduced to protect college students who overdose

Abstract

Colleges in California would no longer be allowed to punish students for calling 911 in the event of an overdose if Assembly Bill (AB) 602 passes into law. Sponsored by San Francisco Assembly member Matt Haney and introduced in April, the bill could have far-reaching effects. Currently, students who are found to be in the presence of drugs can be expelled or suspended. This discourages students from calling 911. Under AB 602, students would be encouraged to immediately seek help for a fellow student who is overdosing.