HB-202 Signed into Law
Contributed by Rep. DeLana Johnson
Governor Dunleavy signed HB 202 SCHOOLS: OVERDOSE DRUGS, CORRESPONDENCE PROGRAMS into law. Originally introduced as a measure to combat the opioid crisis plaguing our communities, the legislation was amended in the final night of session with multiple provisions to strengthen Alaska’s correspondence education program.
Most notably, HB 202 will require school districts to keep lifesaving opioid overdose reversal medications like Naloxone on hand and directs the State to adopt new regulations in response to a recent Superior Court ruling that struck down key provisions of Alaska’s correspondence education program. It also requires the development of individual learning plans for students and contains additional provisions that will enhance our educational framework.
“This law will strengthen our correspondence study program, as well as protect our children and improve our ability to respond to the opioid epidemic,” stated the bill’s prime sponsor, Rep. DeLena Johnson (R, Palmer). “It is rare for any substantive law to receive unanimous approval in both bodies, and I’d like to thank my colleagues for their support. It is a good day for Alaskan families”
Rep. Justin Ruffridge (R, Soldotna) stated “As Co-Chair of the House Education Committee, I'm deeply committed to preserving the rights of Alaskan parents to educate their children at home through correspondence programs. These programs have been a cornerstone of our education system since the 1930s, serving over 23,000 students across the state.”
August 31st, marks International Overdose Awareness Day, the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose.