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119th Congress
Independent · Nonpartisan · Reader-supported
HOUSEH.R. 7994· 119th Congress

Schools Get Overdose Reversal Drugs via Federal Grants

HERO Act

Sponsor
Raul Ruiz (D-CA)
Introduced
Mar 19, 2026
Last Action
Jul 21, 2026
Passage
72%
Introduced
Mar 19, 2026
Committee
Jul 21, 2026
3
Floor Vote
4
Both Chambers
5
Enacted
01 — The Text

What.

  • Federal grants let schools buy naloxone (opioid overdose reversal drug) and stock it on-site.
  • Schools receiving grants must also run education programs on CPR, drug prevention, and overdose response.
  • Schools that distribute overdose drugs must report it to two federal tracking systems for data collection.
  • Eligible recipients: public school districts, charter schools, and private elementary/secondary schools.
02 — The Stakes

So what?

  • Students and staff gain faster access to life-saving overdose reversal in emergencies—critical as youth opioid deaths rise.
  • Schools shoulder new compliance burden: tracking and reporting drug distributions to federal databases.
  • Rural and under-resourced districts may struggle to afford or implement programs without sufficient grant funding.
  • Public health officials get real-time overdose response data to identify hotspots and trends.
03 — The Path

Now what?

  • Bill cleared committee 48-0 (July 2026) and awaits full House floor vote—strong bipartisan support signals likely passage.
  • If passed, SAMHSA will design grant application process; schools can apply within months to receive funding and drugs.
  • Contact your House rep to urge a floor vote if your school district lacks overdose preparedness resources.
Legislative History

Actions.

  • Jul 21, 2026Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 48 - 0.
  • Jul 21, 2026Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  • Jul 20, 2026Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  • Jun 25, 2026Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
  • Jun 25, 2026Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  • Mar 19, 2026Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
  • Mar 19, 2026Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • Mar 19, 2026Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.