Combatting fentanyl includes prevention education in Alabama schools, State Rep. Joe Lovvorn’s proposed law would ensure

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March 22, 2024

In March, State Rep. Joe Lovvorn (R-Auburn) introduced HB280 to further combat a growing fentanyl crisis impacting youth and teenage Alabamians more and more each year.

Lovvorn’s bill is entitled the “Price Hornsby Act” in honor of a 17-year-old high school student from Auburn, whose life was tragically cut short due to fentanyl poisoning in 2021.

If passed and signed, the law would requires Alabama’s public schools provide research-based instruction on fentanyl prevention and drug poisoning awareness to students in grades 6-12.

Lovvorn says the programming would arm future generations of Alabamians with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the dangers of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, which have claimed far too many lives far too soon.

“The loss of Price Hornsby has been a devastating blow to our community, and it underscores the urgent need for comprehensive drug education and prevention strategies,” said Rep. Lovvorn. “By introducing the Price Hornsby Act, we aim to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future and ensure that our children are educated about the lethal risks associated with fentanyl.”

In 2023, according to the CDC, drug overdose claimed 112,000 victims in the United States alone. Rep. Lovvorn, a career firefighter, first responder, and Auburn University’s representative in the Alabama House since 2016, hopes Ray and Lee Hornsby’s story of their son Price can be purposed to save lives.

“We want to encourage the Legislature to consider their children and grandchildren,” said Mr. and Mrs. Hornsby.

“Our family completely understands Price played a part in his death, but this substance is deadly. It is truly a parent’s worst nightmare, so we’re hopeful the “Price Hornsby Act” will save lives. We have a responsibility to guard, protect and educate the future generations.”

If passed, the Price Hornsby Act will take effect in the 2024-2025 school year, providing a new layer of defense in the fight against drug abuse among Alabama youth.

“Education is one of the most powerful tools we have in preventing drug addiction and its devastating effects,” Lovvorn added. “Through the Price Hornsby Act, we honor the memory of those we’ve lost by committing to protect the lives of our future generations.”

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270