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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to fentanyl prevention and drug poisoning awareness |
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education for students enrolled in public institutions of higher |
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education. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter Z, Chapter 51, Education Code, is |
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amended by adding Section 51.9363 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 51.9363. FENTANYL PREVENTION AND DRUG POISONING |
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AWARENESS EDUCATION. (a) In this section, "institution of higher |
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education" and "private or independent institution of higher |
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education" have the meanings assigned by Section 61.003. |
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(b) Each institution of higher education shall provide |
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research-based instruction related to fentanyl prevention and drug |
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poisoning awareness to entering undergraduate students as soon as |
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practicable during the students' first semester or term at the |
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institution. |
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(c) The instruction required by this section must include: |
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(1) suicide prevention; |
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(2) prevention of the abuse of and addiction to |
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fentanyl; |
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(3) awareness of local institution and community |
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resources and any processes involved in accessing those resources; |
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and |
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(4) health education that includes information about |
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substance use and abuse, including young adult substance use and |
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abuse. |
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(d) The instruction required by this section may be provided |
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online and by an entity or an employee or agent of an entity that is: |
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(1) an institution of higher education or private or |
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independent institution of higher education; |
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(2) a library; |
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(3) a community service organization; |
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(4) a religious organization; |
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(5) a local public health agency; or |
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(6) an organization employing mental health |
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professionals. |
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SECTION 2. Section 51.9363, Education Code, as added by |
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this Act, applies beginning with undergraduate students who |
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initially enroll in a public institution of higher education for |
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the 2026 fall semester. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives |
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a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as |
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provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this |
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Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this |
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Act takes effect September 1, 2025. |