The bill proposes the establishment of an opioid abuse awareness and prevention curriculum for students in grades six through twelve, as part of the duties of the Department of Education and Early Development. This new section, AS 14.30.363, mandates that the curriculum includes at least 60 minutes of annual instruction on the dangers of opioid use, particularly those that may contain fentanyl, as well as the science behind opioid use, prevention strategies, and early warning signs of addiction. The curriculum must be taught by each school district during the last week of October and is to be developed in consultation with the Department of Health, relevant state and tribal entities, and families affected by opioid overdoses.

Additionally, the bill defines key terms related to the curriculum, including "curriculum," "drugs," "opioid," "opioid abuse," and "opioid addiction." The intent of this legislation is to enhance awareness and prevention efforts regarding opioid abuse among school-aged children, thereby addressing a critical public health issue.

Statutes affected:
SB0228A, AM SB 228, introduced 01/28/2026: