Rockland Reporter

Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Linda Sánchez (CA-38) have introduced the Keeping Drugs Out of Schools Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at combating youth opioid abuse. The proposed legislation seeks to facilitate partnerships between schools and Drug-Free Communities to educate students on the dangers of synthetic opioids. Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.).

Rep. Lawler emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “The Keeping Drugs Out of Schools Act will help schools in New York and across the nation get the resources they need to educate kids about the dangers of illicit drugs and prevent substance use or abuse before it even starts.”

Rep. Sánchez highlighted her personal connection to the issue, noting, “As the mother of a high school student, it’s devastating to see the rise in opioid overdoses among our children, especially in schools.”

Senator Grassley remarked on the need for comprehensive drug prevention programs: “Stamping out drug abuse in our communities and schools demands an all-hands approach.”

Senator Shaheen underscored recent progress against substance use but noted more needs to be done: “We’ve made progress in recent years to stem the substance use epidemic, but there’s more we can and should do.”

The bill proposes a $7 million grant program allowing Drug-Free Communities Coalition grantees to partner with schools for substance abuse prevention initiatives. Oversight would be provided by the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Statistics show an alarming rise in fentanyl-related fatalities among youths, with 76 percent of youth drug overdoses attributed to fentanyl in 2023. Additionally, seven out of ten counterfeit opioid pills contained potentially lethal doses.

The bill has garnered support from various organizations including Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America and Mothers Against Prescription Drug Abuse.

Congressman Lawler represents New York's 17th Congressional District, encompassing areas north of New York City.