Garden State Times

Senator Holly Schepisi has urged Senate Education Committee Chairman Gopal to advance "Max’s Law," a bill she introduced, for a vote. The legislation aims to combat the fentanyl poisoning epidemic in New Jersey by mandating school instruction on the dangers of fentanyl and xylazine, known as "tranq."

“This legislation is an important step in the fight against the epidemic of Fentanyl poisoning in New Jersey. I was honored to introduce Max’s Law 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,” said Senator Holly Schepisi (R-39). “Far too many young Americans, like Max, have had their lives cut short due to Fentanyl poisoning. I hope Chairman Gopal will post this important legislation so that we can remember the victims of this lethal drug and work towards preventing future deaths from occurring.”

The proposed law would require schools to educate students about fentanyl and xylazine as part of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

Patrice Lenowitz, mother of Max Lenowitz from Woodcliff Lake, supports the bill. She believes it will provide essential education to help protect children.

"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. When parents and educators are aware, our children are prepared,” said Patrice Lenowitz. "My family didn’t know much about Fentanyl, nor did we know counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl were so easily acquired and shared among their peers. Fentanyl and the new street drug, Xylazine, are highly addictive and deadly. One pill killed our son. Max’s Law delivers lifesaving education in the classroom to keep children and families informed and alive."

New Jersey joins a small group of states considering such educational mandates on these substances. States like California, Illinois, Mississippi, Oregon, Texas have enacted similar laws; Washington state has also passed related measures.

Under "Max’s Law," school curricula would cover topics such as abuse prevention for fentanyl and xylazine; awareness of poisoning symptoms; dangers associated with synthetic opioids; emergency response techniques; and legal protections for those reporting or seeking treatment for drug-related issues.

Senator Schepisi has consistently advocated for increased awareness regarding fentanyl risks. Last year saw Governor Murphy sign her joint resolution SJR-128 into law designating July 14 as "Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Day," honoring Max Lenowitz's birthday.

Additionally sponsoring S-2555 aimed at regulating mental health treatment facilities while simplifying access processes reflects Schepisi's ongoing commitment toward enhancing addiction recovery resources across New Jersey.