HB280 Alabama 2024 Session

Updated Feb 23, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Joe LovvornRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2024
Title: Public K-12 education, fentanyl prevention and drug poisoning awareness required in grades 6 through 12.
Summary: HB280 requires research-based fentanyl prevention and drug poisoning awareness instruction for grades 6–12 in Alabama public K-12 schools.
What This Bill Does
It updates existing drug education to include fentanyl prevention and drug poisoning awareness. Starting in the 2024–2025 school year, each local education agency must annually provide this instruction to students in grades 6–12, covering fentanyl prevention, local resources, and youth health education. The instruction may be delivered by universities, libraries, community or religious groups, local public health agencies, mental health professionals, or school staff. The bill also reinforces conduct standards with sanctions for violations, including possible expulsion or termination and referral for prosecution, and takes effect June 1, 2024.

Who It Affects
Students in grades 6–12 will receive mandatory, research-based instruction on fentanyl prevention and drug poisoning awareness.
Local education agencies and school staff must implement and deliver the required instruction, and enforce the standards of conduct with potential sanctions.

Key Provisions
Amends Section 16-40A-3 to require minimum drug education to include age-appropriate, developmentally-based instruction about consequences, resisting peer pressure, and prohibition of illicit drugs and alcohol.
Adds a new requirement for research-based instruction on fentanyl prevention and drug poisoning awareness for grades 6–12, including fentanyl prevention, access to local resources, and health education about substance use.
Instruction may be provided by a variety of entities (universities, libraries, community or religious organizations, local public health agencies, mental health professionals, or LEA staff).
Imposes sanctions for violations of conduct related to drug and alcohol policy, including possible expulsion or termination and referral for prosecution.
Effective June 1, 2024.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Education