Bill Protecting Students Who Call 911 During Overdoses Awaits Governor’s Signature

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Assemblymember Matt Haney’s (D-San Francisco) AB 602, the Campus Overdose Prevention Act, has passed both houses of the Legislature and now heads to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk for signature. The bill cleared the Senate floor on a 31–6 vote.

The bill protects college students from being suspended or expelled if they call 911 during a drug-related overdose emergency. Current policies allow students found near drugs to face academic discipline, which supporters say discourages students from seeking help and contributes to preventable deaths linked to fentanyl-contaminated drugs.

“No student should have to choose between saving a life and continuing their education,” Haney said. “During an overdose, hesitation can be deadly. AB 602 makes it clear that calling 911 will never cost you your academic future.”

The measure provides students with limited immunity from discipline once per academic term if they receive emergency medical assistance after calling 911 in an overdose situation. To qualify, students must complete a rehabilitation or educational program, such as counseling or drug education classes, within a timeframe set by their school.

At UC Berkeley, student TJ McGee was placed on disciplinary probation after surviving an overdose.

“I’ve seen firsthand how fear of punishment stops people from getting help,” McGee said. “AB 602 is about making sure students aren’t penalized for doing the right thing, or simply for surviving.”

Advocates say the bill will save lives by removing a major barrier to emergency intervention.

AB 602 now sits on the Governor’s desk awaiting a signature.