State Rep. Joe Lovvorn (R-Auburn) is using his background as a first responder to explain why a bill he is introducing is so crucial in the fight against the opioid crisis.
House Bill 280 would require fentanyl prevention and drug poisoning awareness in grades six through 12 for public schools.
"Education is one of the most powerful tools we have in preventing drug addiction and its devastating effects," Lovvorn said. "Through the Price Hornsby Act, we honor the memory of those we've lost by committing to protect the lives of our future generations."
The Price Hornsby Act is named after a 17-year-old from Auburn who passed away in 2021 from fentanyl poisoning. Hornsby graduated early from Auburn High School and was weeks away from entering Space Force when he died.
“The loss of Price Hornsby has been a devastating blow to our community, and it underscores the urgent need for comprehensive drug education and prevention strategies," said Lovvorn. "By introducing the Price Hornsby Act, we aim to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future and ensure that our children are educated about the lethal risks associated with fentanyl."
Ray and Lee Hornsby, Price’s parents, are urging lawmakers to take notice and pass the legislation.
"We want to encourage the Legislature to consider their children and grandchildren,” they said in a statement. "Our family completely understands Price played a part in his death, but this substance is deadly. It is truly a parent's worst nightmare, so we're hopeful the ‘Price Hornsby Act’ will save lives. We have a responsibility to guard, protect and educate the future generations."
The Hornsbys believe their son took a pill laced with fentanyl without knowing it was laced. Fentanyl-laced pills have been blamed for a large number of opioid fatalities. UCLA Health found in 2022 that an average of 22 teens ages 14 to 18 died each week in the United States from overdoses, mostly from fentanyl in counterfeit pills.
Lovvorn said if the Price Hornsby Act is passed, it would take effect in the fall.
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