The Senate Education Committee has approved a bill introduced by Senator Holly Schepisi, which mandates that school districts provide instruction on the dangers of fentanyl and xylazine. The bill, known as the “Fentanyl and Xylazine Poisoning Awareness Act,” aims to combat the growing epidemic of fentanyl poisoning in New Jersey.
“This legislation is an important step in the fight against the epidemic of Fentanyl poisoning in New Jersey. I was honored to introduce the ‘Fentanyl and Xylazine Poisoning Awareness Act’ in memory of Max Lenowitz of Woodcliff Lake—a beloved son, brother, and friend—and the thousands of other New Jersey residents who have lost their lives to Fentanyl or xylazine poisoning,” stated Senator Schepisi. She also expressed gratitude towards Chairman Gopal for co-prime sponsoring this bipartisan legislation.
The act will require schools to incorporate education about these substances into their health and physical education curriculum as part of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. Patrice Lenowitz, mother of Max Lenowitz, supports the bill, hoping it will educate children on these dangers. “Talking to our children openly about the dangers they will be challenged with every day and working with them towards prevention is the first step towards keeping them safe,” she said.
Senator Schepisi has consistently advocated for increased awareness regarding fentanyl’s dangers. Last year, Governor Murphy signed her joint resolution SJR-128 into law, establishing July 14 as “Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Day” in honor of Max Lenowitz’s birthday.
Additionally, Schepisi sponsors another bill, S-2555, which seeks to regulate residential mental health treatment facilities and streamline access to addiction services. This effort aligns with her ongoing commitment to improving accessibility to mental health services in New Jersey.
