The HERO Act: Opioid Overdose Prevention in Schools
April 16, 2026
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Where This Stands
Currently in_committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →The Frame
If passed, this bill would authorize $1 billion in federal funding through 2028 for private and public schools to stock overdose reversal medication and mandate that schools report all instances of drug distribution to federal tracking systems.
Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.
Local Educational Agencies
These agencies are eligible to apply for grants and are subject to new reporting requirements for drug distribution.
Private Schools
Private schools are eligible for grants and must comply with reporting requirements if they receive federal funds.
Department of Health and Human Services
The agency is tasked with administering the grant program and reporting to Congress.
Current stage: in_committee.
Floor Vote.
Summary
Key Facts
- Authorizes $1 billion in federal appropriations for fiscal years 2024 through 2028 for school-based opioid overdose reversal programs.
- Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a competitive grant program for schools within 90 days of enactment.
- Mandates that schools receiving federal funds report any distribution of opioid overdose reversal drugs to NEMSIS and ODMAP databases.
- Grants are available to private elementary/secondary schools, local educational agencies, and charter schools.
- Grant recipients must develop comprehensive emergency response plans in consultation with local health departments.
- Grant recipients must implement educational programming on CPR, drug-use prevention, and overdose response.
- Priority for grants is given to entities in cities or counties with high rates of opioid overdoses.
- Grant periods are limited to 1 year.
- Grant recipients must submit a report to the Secretary one year after the grant period ends detailing drug usage and emergency plans.
- The Secretary must submit an annual report to Congress starting 2 years after enactment summarizing school reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which schools are eligible for these grants?
What must schools do if they distribute an overdose reversal drug?
What is the total funding authorized by this bill?
Why It Matters
If passed, this bill would authorize $1 billion in federal funding through 2028 for private and public schools to stock overdose reversal medication and mandate that schools report all instances of drug distribution to federal tracking systems.
News Coverage
Lobbying Activity
1-800 Contacts, Inc.
2020
“Issues and legislative proposals related to contact lenses Issues related to the Federal Trade Commission Contact Lens Rule Issues related to HR3975 Contact Lens Prescription Verification Modernization Act Issues related to COVID-19 response. H.R. 6800, HEROES Act; H.R. 748, Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.”
1-800 Contacts, Inc.
2020
“Issues and legislative proposals related to contact lenses Issues related to the Federal Trade Commission Contact Lens Rule Issues related to HR3975 Contact Lens Prescription Verification Modernization Act Issues related to COVID-19 response. H.R. 6800, HEROES Act; H.R. 748, Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Issues related to S. 4613, The Contact Lens Rule Modernization Act”
1-800 Contacts, Inc.
2020
“Issues and legislative proposals related to contact lenses Issues related to the Federal Trade Commission Contact Lens Rule Issues related to HR3975 Contact Lens Prescription Verification Modernization Act Issues related to COVID-19 response. H.R. 6800, HEROES Act; H.R. 748, Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Issues related to S. 4613, The Contact Lens Rule Modernization Act”
1-800 Contacts, Inc.
2020
“Issues and legislative proposals related to contact lenses Issues related to the Federal Trade Commission Contact Lens Rule Issues related to HR3975 Contact Lens Prescription Verification Modernization Act Issues related to COVID-19 response. H.R. 6800, HEROES Act; H.R. 748, Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.”
Sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Connected Entities
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance75How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy30Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz40Current news / social attention level
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