Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed legislation that will protect California college students from being academically disciplined if they receive medical help during a drug or alcohol overdose, the office of Assemblymember Matt Haney, D-San Francisco, announced.
Assembly Bill 602, which Haney authored, passed the Legislature with bipartisan support.
The law, called the Campus Overdose Prevention Act, takes effect July 1, 2026, a news release noted.
Under the measure, signed into law Oct. 2, students will be granted limited immunity from suspension or expulsion once per academic term if they seek or receive emergency medical treatment for an overdose, the office of the assemblymember said.
To qualify, they must complete a rehabilitation or educational program such as counseling or drug education.
Haney said the law is intended to remove fear of punishment that can prevent lifesaving calls. Fentanyl-contaminated drugs have fueled a rise in overdose deaths among young people, now the leading cause of death for Americans under 30.
“When a student overdoses, their life should be the only concern — not the threat of losing their education,” Haney said.