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HB166

Alaska HB 166: Opioid Awareness Program for Schools

Last scannedSep 20, 2026, 12:32 AM

In one sentence

This law requires Alaska public schools to teach a specific lesson about the dangers of opioids and fentanyl, including drugs that look like candy, to students in grades six through twelve.

What it does

  • Requires the Department of Education and Early Development to create an opioid abuse awareness curriculum for grades six through 12.
  • Mandates at least 60 minutes of instruction annually on topics including the dangers of opioids, drugs containing fentanyl that look like candy, safe use of prescription medications, and early warning signs of addiction.
  • Directs school districts to teach this lesson during or as close as possible to the last week in October.
  • Requires officials to consult with health experts, tribal groups, state residents experienced in overdose prevention, and family members affected by overdoses when building the curriculum.

Who it affects

  • Students in grades six through twelve attending public schools
  • The Department of Education and Early Development
  • Alaska school districts

Limits and unknowns

  • The official text does not state a specific date when this law officially takes effect.
  • The bill defines what must be taught but does not list how schools will pay for or staff the program.

Plain language

Terms to know

Opioid abuse or addiction
A physical or mental dependency on opioids, or using them in a way that harms health or disrupts social and economic life.
Fentanyl
A powerful drug often mixed with other substances; the law notes it can be made to look like candy targeting children.

Official record

Sources

Validated
Official bill pageIntroduced textCurrent bill text

Official summary

PUBLIC SCHOOLS; OPIOID AWARENESS PROGRAM An Act relating to the duties of the Department of Education and Early Development; relating to public education; and relating to opioid abuse awareness and prevention.

Official activity

Bill history

  1. (H) COSPONSOR(S): COSTELLO707
  2. (H) REFERRED TO EDUCATION595
  3. (H) EDC, FIN595
  4. (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS595