Sen. Weaver Advances Rain’s Law to Expand Fentanyl Awareness and Prevention

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Darrell Weaver, R-Moore, received unanimous approval from the Senate Education Committee for House Bill 1484 Tuesday, legislation aimed at expanding fentanyl awareness and prevention education in Oklahoma schools.

HB 1484 would require Oklahoma school districts to integrate instruction on fentanyl abuse into existing substance abuse education programs. The curriculum would include topics such as prevention of abuse and addiction to fentanyl, awareness of local school and community resources, suicide prevention, and additional information related to health and substance abuse.

The measure is known as “Rain’s Law” and named for a 19-year-old Oklahoman who was studying to be a teacher but lost her life due to a fentanyl overdose.

“This additional education is critical to ensuring our youth are aware of how dangerous fentanyl is as it takes such a little amount to take a life,” Weaver said. “Stories like Rain’s are tragic and are becoming far too common in our communities. This legislation is a proactive step that will help raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl use, especially as so many who fall victim to fentanyl overdose never even realize they’re taking it. By expanding education and awareness efforts, we can better equip our young people to make safer, more informed decisions—and ultimately, save lives.”

Weaver, who formerly served as the Director of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, noted that fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is 50 times stronger than heroin and up to 100 times stronger than morphine.

To further raise awareness, House Bill 1484 also includes a provision requiring the governor to designate a week as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Week. This week would be observed alongside National Red Ribbon Week, a nationwide campaign focused on preventing drug use.

The measure is now eligible for consideration by the full Senate.

-END-

For more information, contact:

Sen. Darrell Weaver at 405-521-5569 or email Darrell.Weaver@oksenate.gov.