Senator Weaver Secures Senate Approval for Rain’s Law

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Senate unanimously approved House Bill 1484 Wednesday to expand fentanyl awareness and prevention education for Oklahoma students in grades 6-12. The measure, known as Rain’s Law, was named in honor of Cameron University education student Rain Reece, whose life was cut short at 19 after she took a pill that was unknowingly laced with fentanyl.

Senator Darrell Weaver, who formerly served as the Director of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, carried the legislation in the Senate and emphasized the need for expanded drug-poisoning awareness initiatives, warning that fentanyl is exponentially stronger than many common drugs and poses serious risks to Oklahoma youth.

“Through successful educational initiatives like Red Ribbon Week, we have informed students across the state about the dangers of drugs and the life-altering, or potentially fatal, consequences of substance abuse. However, fentanyl, even in small doses, is far more powerful and claims hundreds of lives each year, making it imperative to educate students on the risks,” Weaver, R-Moore, said. “I appreciate my colleagues for their overwhelming support of this measure and look forward to it becoming law to ensure no Oklahoma family has to experience the heartbreak that Rain’s mother and family have endured.”

Rain’s Law directs Oklahoma school districts to teach students about fentanyl exposure as part of existing substance abuse programs, providing instruction tailored to each grade level. The research-based curriculum will address preventing fentanyl use and addiction, raise awareness of available school and community resources, cover suicide prevention, and touch on other health and substance-related topics.

House author Rep. Ronny Johns, R-Ada, said the bill is deeply personal to him because eight of his former students have died from fentanyl amid the growing crisis facing young people today.

“The passage of Rain’s Law means more to me than I can put into words,” Johns said. “This effort has always been about honoring the children we have lost and doing everything we can to educate students on the damaging effects of the drug. This bill will save lives and is legislation that benefits all Oklahomans. I am grateful to my colleagues who stood with us and voted for this bill. This is legislation that puts the safety and future of Oklahoma’s children first.”

HB 1484 also provides that qualified organizations and individuals may partner with local schools to offer instructional materials and educational content, based on standards and resources approved by the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

Further, Weaver and Johns’ bill would promote additional fentanyl awareness and education by requiring the governor to designate a week as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Week to coincide with existing National Red Ribbon Week initiatives.

Rain’s Law will take effect immediately following the governor’s approval.

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For more information, contact:

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