California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a new law, Assembly Bill 602 (AB 602). AB 602 is a law passed by the state legislature to protect college students during life-threatening drug or alcohol emergencies. The law is officially called the Campus Overdose Prevention Act, which focuses on keeping students safe on college campuses. It was authored by Assemblymember Matt Haney. The law encourages students to call for medical help without fear of being punished by their schools.
The law will officially take effect on July 1, 2026. From that date forward, students who seek medical help during an overdose, or have help sought for them, will not be suspended or expelled for that incident. The idea behind AB 602 is simple: saving lives is more important than punishment.
The measure recognizes that fear of discipline can stop young people from calling 911 when every second counts. In many cases, hesitation can make the difference between life and death. By removing that fear, the state hopes to make it easier for students to act quickly in an emergency.
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How the Law Works
AB 602 offers what is called “limited immunity.” This means that a student can avoid suspension or expulsion once during each academic term if they are involved in a drug or alcohol overdose and medical help is called. Limited immunity does not mean students are free from all consequences, but it protects them during critical moments when action is needed the most.
To qualify for this protection, students will need to complete a follow-up step. They must take part in a rehabilitation or educational program. This can include counseling, drug education classes, or other supportive services. These programs are meant to guide students toward healthier choices while still ensuring they get the medical attention they need in emergencies.
This approach balances compassion with responsibility. It sends a message that while drug or alcohol use is risky and serious, the top priority is always saving lives. At the same time, it ensures that students are given tools to learn, recover, and avoid future harm.
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This law comes at a time when overdose deaths among young people are sharply rising. The biggest danger comes from drugs laced with fentanyl, a powerful and often hidden substance. Fentanyl has been linked to a wave of accidental overdoses across the country. It has become the leading cause of death for Americans under 30.
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College campuses are not immune to this crisis. Students experimenting with drugs or alcohol may not realize how dangerous the situation can become. In some cases, even a small amount of fentanyl can be deadly. When an overdose happens, the fastest and safest response is calling for emergency help.
By protecting students from harsh academic punishment, AB 602 removes a barrier that might otherwise delay lifesaving calls. It emphasizes that health and safety come first.
The Campus Overdose Prevention Act passed with strong support in the state legislature. Gavin Newsom signed AB 602 into law as a direct response to the growing need for action against overdose deaths among young people. Assemblymember Haney has said the law is intended to remove fear of punishment that can prevent lifesaving calls. With its start date set for July 2026, colleges will have time to prepare and inform students about how the law will work on their campuses.
