This week, the Alabama House of Representatives passed a bill that would require K-12 public schools to provide prevention education about the dangers of fentanyl and drug addiction.

The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Joe Loveborn (R-Auburn), would require public schools to provide research-based educational information about the dangers of opioids, which are the leading cause of death among teens and young adults in the country.

“HB 280 is a bill that will impact every district in Alabama,” said Rep. LoVaughn, “and will personally impact many people. Under current law, drug and alcohol prevention programs in public K-12 schools are required to provide certain information and instruction. This bill would require that research-based instruction on fentanyl and drug addiction prevention and addiction be provided to students in grades 6-12.”

The Price-Hornsby Act, named after 17-year-old Price Hornsby, who tragically lost his life to fentanyl poisoning, passed unanimously.

“Because this bill affects so many lives, it needs to be personalised so people understand its importance and significance, which is why we're calling it the Price-Hornsby Act,” Loveborn said.

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“A little update from Price. He passed away in March of 2021. He was a student at Auburn High School, graduating early and awaiting the process to potentially enlist in the military through the Space Academy. His life was short and taken far too soon. His parents were keen to leave a legacy that would keep his name alive, moving forward and preventing the same thing from happening to other families who may suffer the same tragedy. We are honored to have Ray and Lee Hornsby in the gallery, as well as the many family members and friends who have gathered.”

The House of Commons erupted in applause for Hornsby and his supporters in the gallery.

“We want you to know that we are with you, we are listening to you, and we are working to prevent this from happening to another family,” Lovebourne said, “and we are grateful that Price's legacy will live on.”

95 House members co-sponsored the bill.

“Price Hornsby's death is a devastating blow to our community and highlights the urgent need for comprehensive drug education and prevention strategies,” Rep. LoVaughn said in a statement. “With the introduction of the Price-Hornsby Act, we aim to prevent tragedies like this from happening in the future and ensure that children are educated about the deadly risks of fentanyl.”

Former state Rep. Perry O. Hooper Jr. (R-Montgomery) is director of the Tucker Project, whose mission is to raise awareness of fentanyl and the nation's rising drug overdose death toll.

“As this bill heads to the Alabama Senate, it is imperative that state senators heed the call for action and follow their lead in the House of Representatives by passing this important legislation,” Hooper said. “Given the urgency of the fentanyl crisis, nothing less is required. The time to act is now.”

More than 110,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2023 alone.

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