(COLUMBUS) - Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed House Bill 57, giving schools the option to keep overdose-reversing drugs like Narcan on campus.
The law does not require schools to carry the medication, but districts that choose to do so must create policies for storage, staff training, and reporting each use to the state. Schools must also notify parents if they see patterns of overdose incidents. Lawmakers say the bill responds to a rise in student fentanyl-related cases, often tied to edibles and vape products. Bill sponsor Representative Josh Williams called it a "common-sense" measure that protects students without placing unfunded mandates on schools. Funding can come from donations, state grants, or community groups, but must be used exclusively for overdose-reversing medication. The initiative is part of statewide efforts to make schools safer and help staff respond quickly during emergencies.