NEW JERSEY – The Senate Education Committee on Monday passed Senator Holly Schepisi’s (R-39) bill that would require school districts to provide instruction on the dangers of Fentanyl and xylazine.
“This legislation is an important step in the fight against the epidemic of Fentanyl poisoning in New Jersey. I was honored to introduce the ‘Fentanyl and Xylazine Poisoning Awareness Act’ 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 Schepisi. “Thank you Chairman Gopal for co-prime sponsoring this important bipartisan legislation. Far too many young Americans, like Max, have had their lives cut short due to Fentanyl poisoning and now we are one step closer towards preventing future deaths from occurring.”
The ‘Fentanyl and Xylazine Poisoning Awareness Act,’ previously referred to as ‘Max’s Law,’ would require school districts to provide instruction on the dangers of fentanyl and xylazine as part of the district’s implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.
Patrice Lenowitz, Max’s Mother and a Woodcliff Lake resident, expressed her support for the bill and hopes that it will deliver the education necessary to keep children informed and alive.
“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. The ‘Fentanyl and Xylazine Poisoning Awareness Act’ delivers lifesaving education in the classroom to keep children and families informed and alive.”
Schepisi has been a consistent advocate for legislation that would raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl. Last year, Governor Murphy signed Schepisi’s joint resolution, SJR-128, into law. The bill designates July 14 as “Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Day,” in honor of Max Lenowitz’s birthday.
Schepisi is also a sponsor of S-2555, which would regulate residential mental health treatment facilities and streamline the process for individuals seeking treatment. This bill is part of Schepisi’s longstanding effort to make addiction and mental health services more accessible to New Jerseyans.
