The proposed bill amends Chapter 21-28.9 of the General Laws, known as "The Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Act of 2016," by adding a new section focused on opioid overdose prevention in college and university housing. It mandates that all higher education institutions in Rhode Island, both public and private, provide training in the administration of opioid antagonists to staff members in student residential departments, including resident assistants. Additionally, these institutions are required to maintain an adequate supply of opioid antagonists on-site in their housing units, ensuring that they are accessible to trained staff during emergencies involving students or other individuals.

Furthermore, the bill allows institutions to designate additional trained employees to administer opioid antagonists voluntarily in the absence of a resident assistant during a suspected overdose incident. Importantly, it provides legal protections for individuals acting in good faith under this section, shielding them from criminal, civil, or administrative liability, as well as from penalties or disciplinary actions based on college or university regulations. The act is set to take effect upon passage.