In July 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 2429 - Pupil instruction: health education courses: fentanyl into law.  With the addition of Section 51225.38 to the Education Code, starting in the 2026-27 school year, school districts and charter schools with health education course requirements will be required to instruct high school students about the risks and dangers associated with fentanyl use.  This course will be mandatory for graduation.  San Diego Assembly member David Alvarez, who authored the legislation, said the goal is to dispel misinformation and encourage informed decision-making among students.

According to Education Code section 51225.38, the instruction shall include, for example, information on what fentanyl is, the risks of using fentanyl, an explanation of the process of adding or mixing fentanyl with other drugs (lacing) and why lacing with fentanyl is common, and how to detect fentanyl in drugs and how to potentially save a person from a fentanyl overdose.  https://digitaldemocracy.calmatters.org/bills/ca_202320240ab2429

For more information about this new requirement, check out the article below.