Harrisburg, PA, October 15, 2025 – State Senators Christine M. Tartaglione (D–Philadelphia) and Nikil Saval (D–Philadelphia) today announced the introduction of Senate Bill 1054, groundbreaking legislation that would require all high schools in Pennsylvania to maintain opioid antagonists, such as naloxone or Narcan, onsite and to follow procedures developed by the Department of Education in consultation with the Department of Health for responding to opioid overdoses.
Senators Tartaglione and Saval introduced this bill in partnership with student leaders from the University of Pennsylvania’s Forum for Legislative Action, who first brought the idea forward and have been key advocates in shaping the proposal. The students issued the following statement in response to the bill’s introduction:
“As young people who have grown up amid the rise of the fentanyl crisis and many of us having witnessed its impact firsthand, advocating for access to Naloxone in schools was deeply important to us because it ensures that schools are equipped with lifesaving tools. By doing so, the state can take a proactive stance in protecting its youth, preventing avoidable tragedies, and confronting this public health emergency with the urgency it demands.”
While various measures have been taken by the executive branch, including former Governor Tom Wolf’s 2015 standing order allowing schools to store naloxone, SB 1054 would mark the first statutory requirement to guarantee uniformity and preparedness in every high school across the Commonwealth.
“I’m extremely proud to partner with Senator Saval and our student advocates to enable our schools to fight back against this tragic epidemic that has taken too many young lives from my district and our Commonwealth,” said Senator Tartaglione. “This bill ensures that every Pennsylvania high school has the tools and training to save lives in the face of an overdose emergency.”
While the legislation ensures every high school is ready to respond, it also protects the rights of school employees who are uncomfortable or unwilling to participate in overdose response efforts. Under the bill, a school employee’s designation as an opioid emergency responder must be strictly voluntary, and no school may compel any employee to receive training or respond to an overdose emergency against their will. In addition, any employee who volunteers to complete training must do so during regular working hours or be compensated appropriately if the training occurs outside their normal schedule.
In drafting SB 1054, Senators Tartaglione and Saval worked closely with a broad coalition of stakeholders, including student advocates, school employees, and school board representatives, to ensure the legislation balances preparedness with respect for workers’ rights.
“When we join together to ensure everyone has the tools they need to be safe in the wake of addiction, we build more secure communities where anyone can recover and shape their futures,” said Senator Saval. “Opioid antagonists are a proven intervention to reverse overdose and avoid tragedy. I’m grateful for the advocacy of the brilliant student leaders who shaped this policy to prepare high schools to take life-saving action and to Senator Tartaglione for her partnership.”
Senator Tartaglione added, “This is what good legislation looks like. Students, educators, and policymakers coming together to address an urgent public health crisis. Naloxone saves lives, and by equipping our schools, we’re empowering our communities to act quickly and compassionately in the face of tragedy.”
Senate Bill 1054 now awaits referral to a standing committee, where it must be considered and approved before potential advancement to the Senate floor for a vote.
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