(An earlier version of this story stated that Del. Kim Taylor voted against Youngkin’s amendment in 2024. She actually incorrectly voted and changed her vote in favor of his amendment.)
Democrats are moving to codify an Executive Order from Gov. Glenn Youngkin that requires school districts to notify parents within 24 hours if a school-related overdose occurs.
“The fentanyl epidemic has touched every part of our nation,” said Del. JJ Singh, D-Loudoun, during a press conference Thursday. “As parents, it’s critical that we understand the critical risks that our kids face in school and know how best to protect them.”
The bill advanced out of the House unanimously this year.
Youngkin tried to convince legislators to enact this law last year, but the General Assembly rejected his proposed amendment adding 24-hour notification to their bill that would have established guidelines for school-connected overdose response and parental notification policies.
53 members of the House, including two Republicans, Dels. Terry Austin and Baxter Ennis, voted to reject Youngkin’s amendment.
The bill heads to the Senate now for consideration. If they advance it in identical form, then it will go to Youngkin for his signature.
“This issue transcends politics. This is about our kids, our families and our communities, and that’s why this bill passed 97 to zero in the House with overwhelming bipartisan support,” Singh said Thursday.
“Governor Youngkin will review the final language of the bill when it reaches his desk but as he has consistently said, he believes parents have a right to know what’s going on in their child’s life and we should prioritize the safety of our children and schools should have greater transparency with families,” Youngkin spokesperson Christian Martinez said in a statement Thursday.