Seibold's School-Related Overdose Notification Bill Vetoed, Senate Version Signed

VIENNA, VA — A state delegate representing the Town of Vienna and surrounding areas voiced concern about her school overdose notification bill being vetoed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

The GOP governor vetoed House Bill 1504 by Del. Holly Seibold (D-Fairfax), which sets guidelines for parental notifications for school-related drug overdoses. Youngkin signed the similar Senate Bill 498 introduced by Sen. Jennifer Carroll Foy (D-Prince William).

The governor said in a statement the Virginia Senate added to the bill his recommendation on notifying parents within 24 hours of a school-connected overdose. The House of Delegates version rejected this recommendation.

For Seibold's House Bill 1504, Youngkin's veto explanation said the governor approved of the legislation's purpose but didn't include the 24-hour notification requirement. The notification requirement calls for details on the overdose, including drug names, street names and circumstances.

Seibold responded to the veto on social media saying, "As the mother of two public school students, I worry constantly about school-connected overdoses. I was looking forward to the Board of Education creating permanent guidelines and policies on parent notification.

The House version of the bill allows the Virginia Board of Education to establish guidelines on school-related overdose responses and parental notifications. Youngkin's office said the Board of Education "will begin this important work immediately."

Youngkin's office says his executive order requiring parental notification within 24 hours remains in effect. The executive order came after at least eight overdoses involving students at one Loudoun County high school and additional overdoses involving juveniles.