House Passes Rep. Jarrells' Bipartisan Bill to Equip Ohio Schools with Lifesaving Naloxone Access

COLUMBUS — Assistant Minority Leader Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) and Majority Whip Josh Williams (R-Sylvania) today announced the Ohio House of Representatives’ passage of House Bill (HB) 57. The bipartisan bill aims to expand access to overdose-reversal drugs in schools. It passed with a vote of 95-0.

HB 57 ensures that schools electing to stock overdose-reversal drugs like naloxone must also adopt clear policies for storage, administration, and emergency response. The bill also permits schools to accept donations to purchase naloxone.

“Ohio’s students deserve the protection and support that comes from being prepared for any emergency,” said Rep. Jarrells. “House Bill 57 is about saving lives, empowering our educators, and ensuring that no child loses their future to a preventable overdose. This legislation is a critical step in confronting the opioid crisis head-on, and I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in passing it.”

The legislation was crafted in response to the rising number of adolescent overdoses, including a widely publicized incident in Toledo where a student was revived with naloxone during the school day. Data from the Ohio Department of Health and national sources show that overdose deaths among youth aged 10–19 have increased significantly in recent years, with synthetic opioids such as fentanyl playing a major role.

HB 57 now heads to the Ohio Senate for consideration.

EDITOR’S NOTE: A picture of Rep. Jarrells giving testimony is attached to this press release. Courtesy: Ohio House Democrats.