The bill, S.B. No. 556, aims to enhance measures for preventing and responding to opioid-related drug overdoses at public institutions of higher education in Texas. It introduces a new subchapter, Subchapter Y-2, to the Education Code, which mandates that institutions with on-campus housing develop policies to ensure the availability of opioid antagonists in residence halls. These policies must include provisions for the acquisition, maintenance, storage, administration, and disposal of opioid antagonists, as well as training for resident advisors on their proper use. The bill also requires institutions to report any administration of opioid antagonists to the prescribing physician and to maintain records of training provided to resident advisors.

Additionally, the bill provides legal immunity for individuals acting in good faith under the new regulations, protecting them from civil or criminal liability related to the administration of opioid antagonists or actions taken in response to suspected overdoses. Institutions are also allowed to accept gifts, grants, and donations to support the implementation of these measures. The bill stipulates that these policies must be in place by the fall semester of 2026, and it will take effect immediately if passed with a two-thirds majority, or on September 1, 2025, otherwise.

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