Senate Bill 997, authored by State Senator Anthony J. Portantino, passed the senate floor and is headed to governor’s desk for signature. The bill helps tackle the opioid epidemic and drug-related overdoses among youth by allowing students to carry both fentanyl test strips and opioid antagonists. The bill had its genesis during the Senator’s summer internship program where interns have the opportunity to research subject areas and propose bill ideas directly to Senator Portantino. 

“Clearly, we need multiple approaches and strategies to address the opioid epidemic. SB 997 implements preventative measures to help avoid opioid-related deaths in high schools,” stated Portantino. “Allowing fentanyl test strips and Narcan nasal products – both of which are easy to administer – will save lives and make our children safer.”

According to the California Dept. of Public Health, there were over 7,000 opioid-related deaths in 2022, with fentanyl poisoning accounting for approximately 88% of deaths. Among young people, fentanyl poisoning accounted for 640 out of 807 deaths by opioid overdose.

SB 997 would permit students in middle and high schools to carry a federally approved opioid antagonist and test strips. 

“Although Narcan can swiftly counteract the effects of opioid overdoses, we can also take a different approach that eliminates the need for opioid antagonists altogether,” said Libby Paquette, a former intern in Portantino’s office who presented the bill idea. “The logic behind providing test strips is to present the opportunity to avoid drugs contaminated with fentanyl entirely. I believe test strips will help save lives when Narcan is not available. We hope the governor will sign this life saving measure.”

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is nearly impossible to tell if drugs have been laced with fentanyl unless the drugs are tested with fentanyl test strips, which typically give results within five minutes. Furthermore, the use of Narcan (Naloxone), which is a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose, is safe and easy to use and works almost immediately. It is now available over the counter, without a prescription at pharmacies, convenience stores, grocery stores and gas stations, as well as online.