House passes overdose education bill with bipartisan support

Minnesota students attending a Changemakers Forum in November 2024 identified overdose prevention education as their top legislative priority.

Rep. Nolan West (R-Blaine) was listening.

He sponsors HF2023 that would require education on cannabis use and substance abuse in grades six through 12 to include overdose recognition, prevention and response education. It was passed 133-0 by the House Wednesday and sent to the Senate.

“This is really important considering the amount of substance abuse and, in particular, overdose deaths our state and our country has seen,” he said. “It’s grim and it’s only increasing.”

Sixty-seven Minnesotans died of suspected overdoses in February 2025, according to the Department of Health. West said 87,000 Americans died of an overdose in 2024.

With the large amount of illegal drugs coming into the country, he said high schoolers need to know how to recognize drug abuse and overdose behavior and respond to it.

“By educating our students, we can make sure that when, if they’re unfortunate enough to come across a situation, they are equipped and prepared to potentially save a life.”

[MORE: Minnesota students advocate for adding overdose response, prevention to health curriculum]

The Department of Education has begun the rulemaking process to adopt state K-12 health academic standards for public schools. The overdose education requirement would be included in the department’s model standards for school districts.

Rep. Dave Baker (R-Willmar) praised the bill, which was advocated for and written by Minnesota students.

“The kids are getting it. We’re making a difference in the world of substance abuse disorder and I can’t thank the students enough.”