New Marshall County Delegate’s Bill on Fentanyl Education Sails Through Both Houses of Legislature
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WHEELING -- A bill proposed by new Delegate Jeff Stephens requiring the education of West Virginia students about the dangers of fentanyl has passed the Legislature.
It was the first piece of legislation passed through by Stephens, R-Marshall, who was appointed to the House of Delegates in October.
House Bill 5540, called "Laken's Law," was unanimously approved by both the House and Senate last week. It requires that students in grades 6-12 in all public schools in West Virginia be taught about fentanyl, heroin, and opioids awareness, as well as about drug abuse and its prevention.
Students will also be instructed in the use of Narcan, and about the community resources and organizations that work to prevent and reduce youth substance use. Health education covering the issues of substance abuse also will be a part of classroom instruction under the bill.
If Gov. Jim Justice signs the bill, the new instructional mandates will begin with the 2024-2025 school year.
Stephens -- a West Virginia history teacher at Sherrard Middle School -- said the idea for "Laken's Law" came from a constituent from outside the area who emailed a number of delegates on the issue.
"I took the lead, being a teacher and seeing the effects of what fentanyl is doing to us," he said. "I can see what the use of opioids is doing in some households and the effects it is having on children, their living situation and family members.
"It can start as simply as something being prescribed, then it turns into an addiction very quick. "Then it gets expensive."
Stephens noted the bill doesn't require a specific set materials for teachers to use to meet the requirements of the bill, and that was by design. Teachers have the opportunity to choose how they wish to approach the instruction.
The anti-drug group in West Virginia, GameChanger, has produced a video that will be available to teachers, he continued. This can be used in conjunction with other resources.
"They can also bring someone in from the outside and create their own curriculum," he said. "It leaves it more open-ended."
Stephens indicated he is enjoying his first regular legislative session in Charleston.
"People ask me, 'Are you having fun yet? Or are you frustrated?'" he said. "For me, it has met and exceeded expectations.
"I'm having fun learning about topics and learning ideas to bring back to Marshall County and help the people of the valley."
Stephens said there is the potential for some job opportunities in technological fields to come to Marshall County.
"They (tech companies) need electricity, what better place to find it than at the Mitchell Plant?"
He has also been trying to match up vacant buildings locally with companies in need of space.
"The Legislature has definitely been a positive experience. I can't think of a negative - except for maybe being away from my dog, family and students."
Stephens did stop by Sherrard Middle School to visit students when he was in town recently for a visit from Justice.
"I sneaked in one of the side doors," he said. "They were very excited to see me.
"If I could have bottled that look on their faces, I would be the richest person in the world."
Stephens added he also has been in frequent conversation by phone with Marshall County Schools Superintendent Shelby Haines -- more so than when he has been a teacher in the classroom.
"I am having a great experience at the Legislature, and I bring ideas back with me," he said.