Saving Lives One School at a Time – How to Comply with The Price Hornsby Act in Alabama
The following is not intended to be legal advice. For specific legal counsel please contact an attorney.
The recent passage of the Price Hornsby Act in Alabama has placed a significant responsibility on schools to provide education on fentanyl prevention and drug poisoning awareness. This legislation, named after an Alabama teen tragically lost to fentanyl, underscores the urgent need to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about drug use.
Understanding the Price Hornsby Act
The Price Hornsby Act is an Alabama state law that mandates research-based instruction on fentanyl prevention and drug poisoning awareness in grades six through twelve. It was passed in 2024 in honor of Price Hornsby, a young man who tragically died from fentanyl poisoning. The law aims to educate students on the dangers of fentanyl and other drugs, and to equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their health and safety.
According to the bill this instruction should be integrated into existing drug education and prevention programs and must meet a set of criteria.
Some of the criteria may have already been met in existing drug and alcohol prevention programs such as:
- Developmentally-based, age-appropriate instruction
- Education on legal, social, and health consequences of drug and alcohol use
- Effective techniques for resisting peer pressure
- Conveys to students that the use of illicit drugs and unlawful possession and use of alcohol is wrong, harmful and punishable by fines and imprisonment
Additionally these programs should address Fentanyl prevention and drug poisoning as follows.
- Instruction on Fentanyl prevention and drug poisoning must be comparable to instruction provided in other drug and alcohol education and prevention programs
- It should include instruction that prevents the abuse of and addiction to fentanyl
- Students should be made aware of local school and community resources at their disposal and how to access those resources.
- Include health education that provides information about substance use and abuse, including youth substance use and abuse.
The Price Hornsby Act also lists appropriate sources for such a program:
- A public or private institution of higher education
- A library
- A community service organization
- A local public health agency
- An organization employing mental health professionals
- An employee of the local education agency
In addition to compliance with educational criteria schools must also implement the following:
- “Standards of conduct that are applicable to students and employees in all public schools that, at a minimum, clearly prohibit the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on school premises, or as a part of any activities of the school.”
- “A clear statement that sanctions, consistent with local, state, and federal law, up to and including expulsion or termination of employment and referral for prosecution, will be imposed on students and employees who violate the standards of conduct required by subdivision (3). A description of those sanctions shall be included.”
Implementing Effective Fentanyl Prevention Programs in Alabama
To effectively comply with the Price Hornsby Act, Alabama schools should consider the following strategies:
- Develop a Comprehensive Drug Education Plan: Create a comprehensive drug education plan that addresses the specific needs of your school community and complies with the Price Hornsby Act. This plan should include clear objectives, target audiences, and strategies for delivering effective instruction.
- Partner with Local Organizations: Collaborate with local organizations, such as law enforcement, healthcare providers, and community groups, to access resources and expertise.
- Utilize Evidence-Based Programs: Implement evidence-based drug education programs that have demonstrated effectiveness in preventing drug use and addiction.
- Provide Teacher Training: Ensure that teachers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to deliver high-quality drug education instruction.
ACT on Drugs Presents a Conversation with The Drug Lady is your resource for Fentanyl Education
ACT on Drugs Presents a Conversation with The Drug Lady is a research-based curriculum taught by former DEA forensic chemist Lynn Riemer. This engaging online program complies with Price Hornsby Act requirements, meets SHAPE standards, follows the CASEL framework and empowers students with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about drug use.
We offer 10 teaching modules in both English and Spanish, built to integrate with your existing curriculum, including:
- Narcotics and Fentanyl
- The Brain and Addiction
- Vaping and Over the Counter Products
- Hallucinogens
- Marijuana
- Stimulants
- 2 x Stories of Recovery (One of a person recovering from Narcotic and Fentanyl use.)
By partnering with ACT on Drugs, your school can:
- Comply with the Price Hornsby Act
- Equip Students with Knowledge
- Save Time and Resources
To learn more about how ACT on Drugs can support your school’s drug education efforts, please give us a call (208) 917-3503 or send us an email at info@actondrugs.org.
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