When it comes to surviving the wild rollercoaster of college life, a new California law just became the ultimate safety net for students struggling with substance use. 🚨

A Lifeline for Students in Crisis

Assemblymember Matt Haney’s groundbreaking Campus Overdose Prevention Act is about to change the game for college students across California. Starting July 1, 2026, students who seek emergency medical help during an overdose won’t have to fear academic punishment - a game-changing approach to addressing the terrifying reality of drug-related deaths.

Breaking Down the Lifesaving Details

Here’s the tea: students can now receive medical treatment once per academic term without risking suspension or expulsion. The catch? They’ll need to complete a rehabilitation or educational program like counseling or drug education. It’s basically a “we’ve got your back” policy that prioritizes student survival over punitive measures.

Why This Matters

With fentanyl-contaminated drugs making overdoses the leading cause of death for Americans under 30, this law could literally save lives. As Haney put it, “When a student overdoses, their life should be the only concern , not the threat of losing their education”.

In a world where young people are navigating increasingly complex mental health and substance use challenges, California just sent a powerful message: your life matters more than academic bureaucracy.