Rep. Joe Lobborn (R-Auburn) is introducing a House bill that would require Alabama public schools to provide research-based instruction on fentanyl prevention and drug addiction awareness to students in grades 6 through 12. Bill 280 was introduced.
The Price-Hornsby Act, named after an Auburn teenager who died in 2021, aims to educate teens about the dangers of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, according to Rob Born. he said.
“Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent drug addiction and its devastating effects,” Lovvorn said in a written statement. “Through the Price-Hornsby Act, we honor the memory of those who died by pledging to protect the lives of future generations.”
Hornsby, 17, died on March 26, 2021, after taking a pill laced with fentanyl.
“The loss of Mr. Price Hornsby is a devastating blow to our community and highlights the urgent need for comprehensive drug education and prevention strategies,” Lovborn said.
Lovvorn told the Alabama Daily News the bill passed the Ways and Means Education Committee and is expected to be sent to the full chamber on Tuesday. He said Ms Hornsby's parents would also be in attendance.
“They are very excited about the opportunity that his legacy could potentially save the lives of others,” Lovvorn said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 75% of drug overdose deaths in 2021 involved opioids. In 2021, more than 80,000 people died from opioid overdose, nearly 88% of which were caused by synthetic opioids.
If passed, the Price-Hornsby Act would go into effect in the 2024-2025 school year. Each local educational agency will annually provide research-based information on fentanyl prevention and drug addiction awareness to students in a manner comparable to instruction provided in other drug and alcohol education and prevention programs.
The bill requires age-appropriate instruction to address the legal, social, and health consequences of drug and alcohol use. Additionally, it provides students of all grades with effective techniques for resisting peer pressure.