S. 3588 · In committee · Health

School Access to Naloxone Act of 2026

Sponsor: Jeff Merkley (D-OR)

What it does

• Authorizes HHS grants to states, Indian tribes, and localities to expand access to opioid overdose reversal drugs and devices, such as naloxone, in elementary and secondary schools.
• Requires recipients to certify that schools will stock the drugs and devices and have trained staff on site during operating hours to administer them.
• Requires the state attorney general to certify that trained staff are covered by state Good Samaritan civil liability protections.

Official summary

School Access to Naloxone Act of 2026 This bill authorizes grants for expanding access to drugs or devices to treat opioid overdoses (e.g., naloxone) in elementary and secondary schools. The Department of Health and Human Services may award the grants to states, Indian tribes, and localities. To receive a grant, recipients must certify that schools in their jurisdictions will stock the drugs and devices and have trained staff on premises during operating hours to administer them. Additionally, the attorney general of the recipient's state must certify that trained staff are covered by state civil liability protections for individuals who administer aid in an emergency (commonly known as Good Samaritan laws).

Latest action

Mar 19, 2026: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Hearings held.

Committee: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions