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6/3/2025
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Senate, House each pass bills to equip RAs in campus housing with Narcan
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STATE HOUSE – The Senate and House today each approved separate, similar bills requiring all colleges and universities in the state to train resident assistants and other housing staff in administering opioid antagonists and to keep a supply available to them at all times. Each of the bills now advances to the other chamber.
The bills (2025-S 0464A, 2025-H 5595A), sponsored by Senate Health and Human Services Committee Chairwoman Melissa Murray and Rep. Michelle McGaw, are intended to prevent overdose deaths in campus housing.
“The opioid epidemic affects every corner of our state, and college campuses are no exception. Fortunately, overdose reversal medication is now readily available statewide, and it’s relatively easy to administer. Making sure resident assistants are equipped with it and know how to use it will save young lives, increase campus safety and provide a small measure of peace of mind to those whose family members go to school in Rhode Island,” said Chairwoman Murray (D-Dist. 24, Woonsocket, North Smithfield).
Said Representative McGaw (D-Dist. 71, Portsmouth, Tiverton, Little Compton), “At many times, particularly nights and weekends, a resident assistant might be the only staff present when a student, visitor or other person experiences an overdose in a dorm. Since they live among the students and often have trusting relationships with them, they are in an ideal position to act quickly to help when minutes matter. Making sure they have access to opioid antagonists and know how to use them will save lives.”
The bill requires all colleges and universities in the state to keep a supply of opioid antagonist medication — often known by the trade name Narcan — in all campus housing, accessible to all resident assistants (RAs), who are usually upperclassman designated by the college or university to help maintain safety and serve as a resource to students living in dorms. The institution would be responsible for training all RAs in its use, as well as any additional employees willing to volunteer to administer it when an RA is not present.
The legislation adds RAs and others acting under this provision to the protections provided by the Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Act, which shields them from liability should anything go wrong while trying to save the life of someone who they believe is experiencing an overdose.
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
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