New Jersey requires public middle and high schools to teach students about fentanyl and xylazine dangers

Original title: "Max's Law"; requires school districts to provide instruction on dangers of fentanyl and xylazine.

Last action · January 13, 2026: Withdrawn Because Approved P.L.2025, c.278.Sponsors: Azzariti Jr., John V., M.D. and 15 others

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What This Bill Does

New Jersey requires school districts to include instruction on the dangers of fentanyl and in health and physical education curricula for students in grades six through 12, starting with the first full school year following enactment. The curriculum must cover abuse prevention, poisoning awareness, synthetic opioid dangers, symptom recognition, emergency response, and legal protections for reporting overdoses.

Why it matters

Local school districts must update health education programs and provide instructional materials to middle and high school students, while the state education department must maintain online safety and prevention resources.

Who It Affects

Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

school districts

School districts must update their health and physical education curricula for grades six through 12 to include instruction on fentanyl and xylazine.

Directly affected

students in grades six through 12

Students will receive mandatory classroom instruction regarding the dangers, prevention, and emergency response for fentanyl and xylazine poisoning.

Directly affected

Department of Education

The department must post and maintain online instructional information, safety materials, outreach contacts, and mental health resources.

Key Facts

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which grade levels are affected by the new curriculum requirement?

Students in grades six through 12 in New Jersey public school districts.

What specific topics must be included in the instruction?

Instruction must cover fentanyl and abuse prevention, poisoning awareness, synthetic opioid and counterfeit drug dangers, symptom recognition, emergency response procedures, and legal protections for individuals seeking medical help for overdoses.

Who provides the instructional resources to school districts?

The Commissioner of Education provides age-appropriate resources utilizing information from federal agencies like the NIH, DEA, HHS, and CDC, as well as state, county, or municipal departments.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Current status: Signed into law.

Procedural history

2 actions

Jan 13, 2026HouseEnrolled
Withdrawn Because Approved P.L.2025, c.278.
Jan 13, 2026HouseIntroduced
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee

Version history

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