Existing law establishes the Emergency Medical Services Authority within the California Health and Human Services Agency, and requires the authority to coordinate state activities concerning emergency medical services.

Existing law requires a public safety agency that provides 911 call processing services for emergency medical response, by January 1, 2027, to provide prearrival medical instructions to 911 callers requiring medical assistance, including, at a minimum, administration of naloxone for suspected narcotics overdoses. Existing law requires the authority to develop and adopt training, standards, and regulations for all prehospital emergency medical care personnel regarding the use and administration of naloxone hydrochloride and other opioid antagonists. Existing law makes any person who violates these provisions guilty of a misdemeanor.

Existing law grants the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, which is within the Department of Industrial Relations, jurisdiction over all employment and places of employment, and the power necessary to enforce and administer all occupational health and safety laws and standards.

Exiting law requires the division, before December 1, 2027, to submit a draft rulemaking proposal to revise specified regulations on first aid materials and emergency medical services to require first aid materials in a workplace to include naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid antagonist approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to reverse opioid overdose and instructions for using the opioid antagonist. Existing law requires the standards board to consider for adoption revised standards for the standards described above on or before December 1, 2028.

This bill would require an employer operating in this state that requires cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification training of its employees to also require those employees, except as specified, to take an online video module training on the use of naloxone to increase the rate of opioid overdose reversals, as prescribed. Because a violation of this provision would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would require the Emergency Medical Services Authority to review and approve the online video module trainings to ensure that the training content meets certain minimum standards.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Existing law establishes the Emergency Medical Services Authority within the California Health and Human Services Agency, and requires the authority to coordinate state activities concerning emergency medical services.

Existing law requires a public safety agency that provides 911 call processing services for emergency medical response, by January 1, 2027, to provide prearrival medical instructions to 911 callers requiring medical assistance, including, at a minimum, administration of naloxone for suspected narcotics overdoses. Existing law requires the authority to develop and adopt training, standards, and regulations for all prehospital emergency medical care personnel regarding the use and administration of naloxone hydrochloride and other opioid antagonists. Existing law makes any person who violates these provisions guilty of a misdemeanor.

Existing law grants the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, which is within the Department of Industrial Relations, jurisdiction over all employment and places of employment, and the power necessary to enforce and administer all occupational health and safety laws and standards.

Exiting law requires the division, before December 1, 2027, to submit a draft rulemaking proposal to revise specified regulations on first aid materials and emergency medical services to require first aid materials in a workplace to include naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid antagonist approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to reverse opioid overdose and instructions for using the opioid antagonist. Existing law requires the standards board to consider for adoption revised standards for the standards described above on or before December 1, 2028.

This bill would require an employer operating in this state that requires cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification training of its employees to also require those employees, except as specified, to take an online video module training on the use of naloxone to increase the rate of opioid overdose reversals, as prescribed. Because a violation of this provision would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would require the Emergency Medical Services Authority to review and approve the online video module trainings to ensure that the training content meets certain minimum standards.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Existing law establishes the Emergency Medical Services Authority within the California Health and Human Services Agency, and requires the authority to coordinate state activities concerning emergency medical services.

Existing law grants the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, which is within the Department of Industrial Relations, jurisdiction over all employment and places of employment, and the power necessary to enforce and administer all occupational health and safety laws and standards. Existing law, the California Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1973 (OSHA), requires employers to comply with certain safety and health standards, as specified, and charges the division with enforcement of the act. Under OSHA, certain violations of the act are punishable as a crime.

Exiting law requires the division, before December 1, 2027, to submit a draft rulemaking proposal to revise specified regulations on first aid materials and emergency medical services to require first aid materials in a workplace to include naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid antagonist approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to reverse opioid overdose and instructions for using the opioid antagonist. Existing law requires the standards board to consider for adoption revised standards for the standards described above on or before December 1, 2028.

This bill would require an employer operating in this state that requires cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification training of its employees to also require those employees, except as specified, to take an online video module training on the use of naloxone to increase the rate of opioid overdose reversals, as prescribed. Because a violation of this provision would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would require the Emergency Medical Services Authority to review and approve the online video module trainings to ensure that the training content meets certain minimum standards. The bill would require the Division of Occupational Safety and Health to enforce these provisions in accordance with the divisions existing authority under OSHA. By expanding the scope of a crime under OSHA, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Existing law establishes the Emergency Medical Services Authority and requires the authority to coordinate state activities concerning emergency medical services.

Existing law grants the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, which is within the Department of Industrial Relations, jurisdiction over all employment and places of employment, and the power necessary to enforce and administer all occupational health and safety laws and standards. Existing law, the California Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1973 (OSHA), requires employers to comply with certain safety and health standards, as specified, and charges the division with enforcement of the act. Under OSHA, certain violations of the act are punishable as a crime.

Exiting law requires the division, before December 1, 2027, to submit a draft rulemaking proposal to revise specified regulations on first aid materials and emergency medical services to require first aid materials in a workplace to include naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid antagonist approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to reverse opioid overdose and instructions for using the opioid antagonist. Existing law requires the standards board to consider for adoption revised standards for the standards described above on or before December 1, 2028.

This bill would require an employer operating in this state that requires cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification training of its employees to also require those employees employees, except as specified, to take an online video module training on the use of naloxone to increase the rate of opioid overdose reversals, as prescribed. The bill would require the Emergency Medical Services Authority to review and approve the online video module trainings to ensure that the training content meets certain minimum standards. The bill would require the Division of Occupational Safety and Health to enforce these provisions in accordance with the divisions existing authority under OSHA. By expanding the scope of a crime under OSHA, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Existing law establishes the Emergency Medical Services Authority and requires the authority to coordinate state activities concerning emergency medical services.

Existing law grants the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, which is within the Department of Industrial Relations, jurisdiction over all employment and places of employment, and the power necessary to enforce and administer all occupational health and safety laws and standards. Existing law, the California Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1973 (OSHA), requires employers to comply with certain safety and health standards, as specified, and charges the division with enforcement of the act. Under OSHA, certain violations of the act are punishable as a crime.

Exiting law requires the division, before December 1, 2027, to submit a draft rulemaking proposal to revise specified regulations on first aid materials and emergency medical services to require first aid materials in a workplace to include naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid antagonist approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to reverse opioid overdose and instructions for using the opioid antagonist. Existing law requires the standards board to consider for adoption revised standards for the standards described above on or before December 1, 2028.

This bill would require an employer operating in this state that requires cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification training of its employees to also require those employees to take an online video module training on the use of naloxone to increase the rate of opioid overdose reversals, as prescribed. The bill would require the Emergency Medical Services Authority to oversee the training curriculum required pursuant to these provisions. review and approve the online video module trainings to ensure the training content meets certain minimum standards. The bill would require the Division of Occupational Safety and Health to enforce these provisions in accordance with the divisions existing authority under OSHA. By expanding the scope of a crime under OSHA, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

Existing law considers a person providing labor or services for remuneration, for purposes of the Labor Code and the Unemployment Insurance Code, and for the purposes of wage orders of the Industrial Welfare Commission, to be an employee rather than an independent contractor unless the hiring entity demonstrates that certain conditions are satisfied, as specified. Existing law exempts a bona fide business-to-business contracting relationship, as defined, from this presumption if specified conditions are met, including, among other things, that an individual acting as a sole proprietor contracts to provide services to another such business.

This bill would make nonsubstantive changes to the provisions that exempt business-to-business relationships from the presumption described above.

CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS

CSA1 Bill Id:AB 2150

Author:(Haney)

As Amended Ver:August 21, 2026

Majority vote

SUMMARY

Requires an employer operating in this state that requires cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification training of its employees to also require those employees to take a separate online video module training on the use of naloxone, approved by the Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA), offered by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross to increase the rate of opioid overdose reversals. Each employer shall pay the costs of the training.

Senate Amendments

1. Strike the provisions giving the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) the authority to enforce the bill's provisions.
2. Provide that an employee who has completed CPR certification, first aid certification, or other training through a program that the EMSA determines includes training that meets or exceeds the minimum standards described in bill shall be deemed to satisfy the naloxone training requirement, as specified.
3. Permit the EMSA to establish a process by which a training program, certifying body, or employer may seek a determination that an existing training meets or exceeds the minimum standards described in the bill.
4. State that the naloxone training is for educational and preparedness purposes only and does not create an independent duty, authorization, or expectation for any employee to administer naloxone.
5. State that nothing in this bill shall be construed to expand, modify, or supersede any state or federal law, regulation, or licensing requirement governing scope of practice, medication administration, or delegation of clinical tasks, as specified.
6. Provide that no employer classification, facility type, or program type shall be exempt from the training requirement solely on the basis of existing clinical staffing levels or internal medication administration policies.
7. State that nothing in this bill shall be construed to limit the authority of the California Health and Human Services Agency, the EMSA, the Department of Industrial Relations, Cal/OSHA, or the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board to adopt, amend, repeal, or enforce any regulation, standard, or order requiring training in opioid overdose prevention and response or the administration of an opioid antagonist for a broader class of employers or employees, or on a more frequent or more comprehensive basis, than is required by this bill.
8. Clarify which employers the bill applies to and state that it is not the intent of the Legislature to occupy the field of employer-provided training in opioid overdose prevention and response or the administration of an opioid antagonist.
9. Provide that if a regulation, standard, or order adopted pursuant to 7) above imposes a requirement that is more protective of employee or public health and safety than a requirement of this bill, the regulation, standard, or order shall control.
10. Add intent language stating that the purpose of the bill is to establish a baseline requirement for employer-provided training in opioid overdose prevention and response and the administration of an opioid antagonist, and to complement, and not to constrain, the rulemaking of other state entities, as specified.

COMMENTS

The opioid crisis spans across many facets of daily life. The workplace is no exception. As stated in the author's background materials, as of 2022, "workplace overdose deaths in California accounted for 18 percent of the state's workplace deaths, which is significantly higher than the national average of 11 percent.^[1] Put another way, overdoses at work are "causing more fatalities than falls at construction sites or being hit by machinery, and in 2022 were second only to car crashes and other transportation incidents."^[2] In addition, opioid overdose deaths are overrepresented among young people. California Department of Public Health’s Overdose Surveillance Dashboard in 2022 reported that the rate of opioid overdose deaths among youth ages 10 to 19 increased by 407 percent between 2018 and 2020, while emergency department visits for opioid overdoses among youth also tripled during that time.

According to the Author

According to the author, "AB 2150 addresses a critical gap in our response to the opioid crisis by ensuring that the people most likely to be present during an overdose are equipped to act. While existing law requires naloxone to be available in many workplaces, employees are often not trained to recognize an overdose or administer this lifesaving medication. This bill simply builds on existing CPR certification requirements by adding a brief, practical training on opioid overdose response. By preparing staff in schools, libraries, and workplaces to act quickly, AB 2150 empowers bystanders to intervene in those critical moments when lives can still be saved."

Arguments in Support

The California Association of Alcohol and Drug Program Executives, sponsor of the bill, states, "AB 2150 requires employers whose employees must maintain CPR certification for their occupations to also provide an opioid overdose response training module from the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. By including naloxone education, this enhances staff’s ability to recognize and respond to opioid overdoses on site. This will significantly reduce overdose rates and increase the number of bystanders that are equipped to administer this life-saving medication."

Arguments in Opposition

The California Association of Recreation and Park Districts is opposed unless and amended and states, "AB 2150 would impose a separate naloxone-use training requirement for all employees required to complete CPR training. While we support the bill's objective of reducing preventable opioid overdoses and deaths, we are concerned about the practical implementation of its training mandates as structured. Requiring employees to complete an additional standalone training creates barriers to recruiting and retaining seasonal and part-time staff, particularly lifeguards. Many prospective lifeguards pursue short-term or seasonal employment, and each supplementary training requirement increases the time and resources necessary to qualify for these positions, potentially reducing their appeal to applicants. These recruitment obstacles could impair our members' ability to maintain the staffing levels necessary to operate aquatic facilities safely."

FISCAL COMMENTS

The Senate Committee on Appropriations passed this bill pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8.

VOTES:

ASM LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT: 7-0-0

YES: Ortega, Lackey, Chen, Elhawary, Kalra, Lee, Ward

ASM APPROPRIATIONS: 11-0-4

YES: Wicks, Aguiar-Curry, Calderon, Caloza, Fong, Mark González, Krell, Pacheco, Pellerin, Sharp-Collins, Solache

ABS, ABST OR NV: Hoover, Dixon, Ta, Tangipa

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 78-0-2

YES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Ahrens, Alanis, Alvarez, Arambula, Ávila Farías, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bonta, Bryan, Calderon, Caloza, Carrillo, Castillo, Chen, Connolly, Davies, DeMaio, Dixon, Elhawary, Ellis, Flora, Fong, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Jeff Gonzalez, Mark González, Hadwick, Haney, Harabedian, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Johnson, Kalra, Krell, Lackey, Lee, Lowenthal, Macedo, McKinnor, Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Papan, Patel, Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Ransom, Michelle Rodriguez, Rogers, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stefani, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Zbur, Rivas

ABS, ABST OR NV: Muratsuchi, Celeste Rodriguez

SENATE FLOOR: 38-0-2

YES: Allen, Alvarado-Gil, Archuleta, Arreguín, Ashby, Becker, Blakespear, Cabaldon, Caballero, Cervantes, Choi, Cortese, Dahle, Durazo, Gonzalez, Grayson, Grove, Hurtado, Jones, Laird, Limón, McGuire, McNerney, Menjivar, Niello, Ochoa Bogh, Pérez, Richardson, Rubio, Seyarto, Smallwood-Cuevas, Stern, Strickland, Umberg, Valladares, Wahab, Weber Pierson, Wiener

ABS, ABST OR NV: Padilla, Reyes

SENATE FLOOR: 39-0-1

YES: Allen, Alvarado-Gil, Archuleta, Arreguín, Ashby, Becker, Blakespear, Cabaldon, Caballero, Cervantes, Choi, Cortese, Dahle, Durazo, Gonzalez, Grayson, Grove, Hurtado, Jones, Laird, Limón, McGuire, McNerney, Menjivar, Niello, Ochoa Bogh, Padilla, Pérez, Richardson, Rubio, Seyarto, Smallwood-Cuevas, Stern, Strickland, Umberg, Valladares, Wahab, Weber Pierson, Wiener

ABS, ABST OR NV: Reyes

UPDATED

VERSION: August 21, 2026

CONSULTANT: Megan Lane / L. & E. / (916) 319-2091 FN: 0004195

1. CalMatters, “Fewer California Workers Were Dying on the Job. The Fentanyl Happened.” December 11, 2024. How the opioid crisis is killing California workers - CalMatters. [https://calmatters.org/economy/2024/12/opioid-crisis-california-workplace-deaths/] ↑

2. Ibid. ↑

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: AB 2150

Author: Haney (D)

Amended: 8/21/26 in Senate

Vote: 21

SENATE LABOR, PUB. EMP. & RET. COMMITTEE: 5-0, 7/1/26

AYES: Smallwood-Cuevas, Strickland, Cortese, Durazo, Laird

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8

SENATE FLOOR: 38-0, 8/20/26

AYES: Allen, Alvarado-Gil, Archuleta, Arreguín, Ashby, Becker, Blakespear, Cabaldon, Caballero, Cervantes, Choi, Cortese, Dahle, Durazo, Gonzalez, Grayson, Grove, Hurtado, Jones, Laird, Limón, McGuire, McNerney, Menjivar, Niello, Ochoa Bogh, Pérez, Richardson, Rubio, Seyarto, Smallwood-Cuevas, Stern, Strickland, Umberg, Valladares, Wahab, Weber Pierson, Wiener

NO VOTE RECORDED: Padilla, Reyes

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 78-0, 5/26/26 - See last page for vote

SUBJECT: Emergencies: personnel: training requirements: opioid overdose reversals

SOURCE: American National Red Cross

California Association of Alcohol and Drug Program Executives

DIGEST:

This bill requires any employer operating in this state that requires cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification training of its employees to also require those employees to take a separate online video module training on the use of naloxone, approved by the Emergency Medical Services Authority, as specified, to increase the rate of opioid overdose reversals.

Senate Floor Amendments of 8/21/26 move the contents of this bill from the Labor Code to the Health and Safety Code; 2) strike enforcement by the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA); and 3) specify that the provisions of this bill establish a floor, and not a ceiling, as specified.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Under the California Occupational Safety and Health Act, protects workers on the job by authorizing the enforcement of effective standards in addition to requiring employers to:
   1. Furnish employment and a place of employment that is safe and healthful for its employees.
   2. Furnish and use safety devices and safeguards, and to adopt and use practices, means, methods, operations, and processes, which are reasonably adequate to render employment and the place of employment safe and healthful.
   3. Do everything reasonably necessary to protect the life, safety, and health of employees. (Labor Code §6300)
2. Establishes the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) within the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) to, among other things, propose, administer, and enforce occupational safety and health standards. (Labor Code §6300 et seq.)
3. Establishes the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board, within DIR, to promote, adopt, and maintain reasonable and enforceable standards that will ensure a safe and healthful workplace for workers. (Labor Code §140-147.6)
4. Establishes within the Health and Welfare Agency the Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA), which is responsible for the coordination and integration of all state activities concerning emergency medical services. (Health and Safety Code §1797.100)
5. Requires Cal/OSHA, before December 1, 2027, to submit a draft rulemaking proposal to revise Sections 1512 and 3400 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations to require first aid materials in a workplace to include naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid antagonist approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to reverse opioid overdose and instructions for using the opioid antagonist. (Labor Code §6723)
6. Requires Cal/OSHA, in drafting the rulemaking proposal, to consider, and provide guidance to employers on, proper storage of the opioid antagonist in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. (Labor Code §6723)
7. Requires the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board to consider for adoption revised standards for the standards described in 4) above on or before December 1, 2028. (Labor Code §6723)
8. Provides that an individual who administers naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid antagonist approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to reverse opioid overdose in a suspected opioid overdose emergency shall not be liable for civil damages as provided in Section 1799.113 of the Health and Safety Code if the conditions in that section are met. Furthermore, provides that an individual who is licensed as part of a local emergency medical services agency shall not be held responsible for administering nasal naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid approved antagonist to reverse opioid overdose, regardless of whether the individual was certified for that activity, unless the individual was acting as a paid first responder at the time of the action. (Labor Code §6723)

This bill:

1. Requires any employer operating in this state that requires CPR certification training of its employees to also require those employees to take an online video module training on the use of naloxone approved by the Emergency Medical Services Authority, as specified, to increase the rate of opioid overdose reversals.
2. Requires that each employer pay for the costs of the training and ensure that it is separate from the existing CPR-training curriculum.
3. Requires the Emergency Medical Services Authority to review and approve the online video module trainings to ensure that the training includes, at a minimum, all of the following:
   1. Recognition of the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose.
   2. Appropriate response actions, including emergency procedures.
   3. Proper administration of naloxone or other opioid antagonists approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
4. Provides that the EMSA’s role is limited to approving the training content for consistency with these minimum standards and shall not include administration, enforcement, or ongoing monitoring of employer compliance with these requirements.
5. Provides that an employee who has completed CPR certification, first aid certification, or other training through a program that the EMSA determines includes training meeting or exceeding the minimum standards included in this bill, shall be deemed to satisfy these requirements and the employer shall not be required to provide separate training to that employee, as specified.
6. Authorizes the EMSA to establish a process by which a training program, certifying body, or employer may seek a determination that an existing training meets or exceeds the minimum standards described in this bill and provides that nothing shall discourage or limit training that exceeds those minimum standards.
7. Specifies that the training required under these provisions is for educational and preparedness purposes only and does not create an independent duty, authorization, or expectation for any employee to administer naloxone.
8. Provides that nothing in these provisions shall be construed to expand, modify, or supersede any state or federal law, regulation, or licensing requirement governing scope of practice, medication administration, or delegation of clinical tasks, including, but not limited to, requirements applicable under Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations.
9. Provides that these provisions apply uniformly to all covered employers and that no employer classification, facility type, or program type shall be exempt from the training requirement solely on the basis of existing clinical staffing levels or internal medication administration policies.
10. Specifies that the requirements of this bill are minimum requirements and establish a floor, and not a ceiling, for employer-provided training on opioid overdose prevention and response and the administration of an opioid antagonist.
11. Specifies that nothing in these provisions shall be construed to limit the authority of the California Health and Human Services Agency, the Emergency Medical Services Authority, the Department of Industrial Relations, the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, or the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board to adopt, amend, repeal, or enforce any regulation, standard, or order requiring training in opioid overdose prevention and response or the administration of an opioid antagonist for a broader class of employers or employees, or on a more frequent or more comprehensive basis, than is required by this bill.
12. Specifies that the employees included in the bill shall not be construed as the exclusive class of employers that may be made subject to such a training requirement, as specified.
13. Provides that if a regulation, standard, or order adopted by a specified state entity imposes a requirement that is more protective of employee or public health and safety than the requirements of this bill, then the regulation, standard, or order shall control.
14. Specifies that the definitions and descriptions used in the bill apply only for purposes of these provisions and shall not be construed to define, limit, or otherwise govern the meaning of any term for purposes of a regulation, standard, or order adopted by any specified state entity.

Background

Many people take prescription opioids, medications like oxycodone or fentanyl, to treat medical conditions, while others may use these opioids recreationally. Some opioid medications are especially potent which increases the likelihood of an unintentional overdose. Fentanyl, for example, is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine.

According to Cal/OSHA’s Opioid Hazard Alert, “fatalities due to unintentional overdoses have increased in the last several years; more than 100,000 people died of an overdose in the U.S. in 2022. Workplace overdoses are also on the rise. According to the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 100 workplace deaths in California alone were due to unintentional overdose, accounting for 22% of all workplace fatalities occurring in California in 2022.”^[1]

Opioid overdose medications, such as naloxone (also known as Narcan), are available to immediately reverse the effects of an overdose, but only if they are administered in time. Naloxone is not harmful if it is given to a person who is not experiencing an opioid overdose. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two forms of naloxone: a nasal spray and an injection. The nasal spray is available over-the-counter and does not require a prescription.

AB 1976 (Haney, Chapter 689, Statutes of 2024): In an attempt to respond to the opioid crisis and abuse of fentanyl in California, the Legislature passed and the Governor signed, AB 1976 (Haney) last year requiring Cal/OSHA, on or before December 1, 2027, to submit a draft rulemaking proposal to revise existing standards on first aid materials to require all workplace first aid kits to include nasal spray naloxone hydrochloride or another approved opioid antagonist to reverse opioid overdose and include instructions for its use. This bill also required the Standards Board to consider adopting the revised standards on or before December 1, 2028.

Building on the work started by the author with AB 1976, this bill now requires any employer operating in this state that requires CPR certification training of its employees to also require those employees to take a separate online video module training on the use of naloxone to increase the rate of opioid overdose reversals.

Prior/Related Legislation

AB 1976 (Haney, Chapter 689, Statutes of 2024) discussed above.

AB 1841 (Weber, Chapter 942, Statutes of 2024) requires that the California Community Colleges (CCCs) and the California State University (CSU) make federally approved opioid overdose reversal medication available on campuses and in affiliated housing and to train specified individuals in a position to quickly respond in emergencies.

SB 10 (Cortese, Chapter 856, Statutes of 2023) requires, among other things, a comprehensive school safety plan, and the school safety plan of a charter school, for a school serving pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, to include the development of a protocol in the event a pupil is suffering or is reasonably believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.

SB 234 (Portantino, Chapter 596, Statutes of 2023) requires stadiums, concert venues, and amusement parks to maintain unexpired doses of an opioid antagonist on its premises and ensure that at least two employees are aware of the location and provides indemnification, as specified.

SB 367 (Hurtado, Chapter 218, Statutes of 2022) requires the governing board of each community college district and the Trustees of the California State University, in collaboration with campus-based and community-based recovery advocacy organizations, to additionally provide, as part of established campus orientations, educational and preventive information provided by the State Department of Public Health about opioid overdose and the use and location of opioid overdose reversal medication to students at all campuses of their respective segments.

[NOTE: Please see the Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee analysis on this bill for more background information and information on more prior and related legislation.]

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: Yes

SUPPORT: (Verified 8/21/26)

American National Red Cross (Co-source)
California Association of Alcohol and Drug Program Executives (Co-source)
California Behavioral Health Association
Drug Policy Alliance
Everyday Responder Project
GLIDE
Health Officers Association of California
Young People in Recovery

OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/21/26)

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: According to one of the sponsors, the American Red Cross and the California Association of Alcohol and Drug Program Executives:

California continues to face a growing opioid overdose epidemic, affecting communities of all backgrounds. Many of these overdoses are happening in locations where staff are already CPR-trained and where employers must have naloxone in workplace first aid kits. At the same time, the crisis is disproportionately happening across our state’s youth populations, where CPR-certified staff are present. According to the CDPH, the rate of opioid overdose deaths among youth ages 10-19 increased by 407% between 2018 and 2020. Yet, there has been little effort to respond to this alarmingly high increase in overdose cases. Additionally, the CDC has found that 63% of opioid overdoses occur in public settings with more than 40% of these cases occurring where a bystander was nearby. To combat this crisis, providing naloxone training to public-facing staff members will save lives.

AB 2150 improves health outcomes, reduces emergency response wait times, and equips bystanders with ability to effectively assess overdose emergencies. With just a simple spray, this overdose reversal medication can restore breathing in just 2-3 minutes, enhancing overall health outcomes and ensuring Californians receive timely care when every second counts.

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 78-0, 5/26/26

AYES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Ahrens, Alanis, Alvarez, Arambula, Ávila Farías, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bonta, Bryan, Calderon, Caloza, Carrillo, Castillo, Chen, Connolly, Davies, DeMaio, Dixon, Elhawary, Ellis, Flora, Fong, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Jeff Gonzalez, Mark González, Hadwick, Haney, Harabedian, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Johnson, Kalra, Krell, Lackey, Lee, Lowenthal, Macedo, McKinnor, Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Papan, Patel, Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Ransom, Michelle Rodriguez, Rogers, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stefani, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Zbur, Rivas

NO VOTE RECORDED: Muratsuchi, Celeste Rodriguez

Prepared by: Alma Perez-Schwab / L., P.E. & R. / (916) 651-1556

8/24/26 13:59:04

**** END ****

1. https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/dosh_publications/Opioid-hazard-alert.pdf ↑

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: AB 2150

Author: Haney (D)

Amended: 6/25/26 in Senate

Vote: 21

SENATE LABOR, PUB. EMP. & RET. COMMITTEE: 5-0, 7/1/26

AYES: Smallwood-Cuevas, Strickland, Cortese, Durazo, Laird

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 78-0, 5/26/26 - See last page for vote

SUBJECT: Employment: training requirements: opioid overdose reversals

SOURCE: American National Red Cross

California Association of Alcohol and Drug Program Executives

DIGEST:

This bill 1) requires any employer operating in this state that requires cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification training of its employees to also require those employees to take a separate online video module training on the use of naloxone, approved by the Emergency Medical Services Authority to increase the rate of opioid overdose reversals; and 2) requires the Division of Occupational Safety and Health to enforce this training requirement.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Under the California Occupational Safety and Health Act, protects workers on the job by authorizing the enforcement of effective standards in addition to requiring employers to:
   1. Furnish employment and a place of employment that is safe and healthful for its employees.
   2. Furnish and use safety devices and safeguards, and to adopt and use practices, means, methods, operations, and processes, which are reasonably adequate to render employment and the place of employment safe and healthful.
   3. Do everything reasonably necessary to protect the life, safety, and health of employees. (Labor Code §6300)
2. Establishes the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) within the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) to, among other things, propose, administer, and enforce occupational safety and health standards. (Labor Code §6300 et seq.)
3. Establishes the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board, within DIR, to promote, adopt, and maintain reasonable and enforceable standards that will ensure a safe and healthful workplace for workers. (Labor Code §140-147.6)
4. Establishes within the Health and Welfare Agency the Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA), which is responsible for the coordination and integration of all state activities concerning emergency medical services. (Health and Safety Code §1797.100)
5. Requires Cal/OSHA, before December 1, 2027, to submit a draft rulemaking proposal to revise Sections 1512 and 3400 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations to require first aid materials in a workplace to include naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid antagonist approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to reverse opioid overdose and instructions for using the opioid antagonist. (Labor Code §6723)
6. Requires Cal/OSHA, in drafting the rulemaking proposal, to consider, and provide guidance to employers on, proper storage of the opioid antagonist in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. (Labor Code §6723)
7. Requires the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board to consider for adoption revised standards for the standards described in 4) above on or before December 1, 2028. (Labor Code §6723)
8. Provides that an individual who administers naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid antagonist approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to reverse opioid overdose in a suspected opioid overdose emergency shall not be liable for civil damages as provided in Section 1799.113 of the Health and Safety Code if the conditions in that section are met. Furthermore, provides that an individual who is licensed as part of a local emergency medical services agency shall not be held responsible for administering nasal naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid approved antagonist to reverse opioid overdose, regardless of whether the individual was certified for that activity, unless the individual was acting as a paid first responder at the time of the action. (Labor Code §6723)

This bill:

1. Requires any employer operating in this state that requires cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification training of its employees to also require those employees to take an online video module training on the use of naloxone approved by the Emergency Medical Services Authority, as specified, to increase the rate of opioid overdose reversals.
2. Requires that each employer pay for the costs of the training and ensure that it is separate from the existing CPR-training curriculum.
3. Requires the Emergency Medical Services Authority to review and approve the online video module trainings to ensure that the training includes, at a minimum, all of the following:
   1. Recognition of the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose.
   2. Appropriate response actions, including emergency procedures.
   3. Proper administration of naloxone or other opioid antagonists approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
4. Provides that the EMSA’s role is limited to approving the training content for consistency with these minimum standards and shall not include administration, enforcement, or ongoing monitoring of employer compliance with these requirements.
5. Requires that Cal/OSHA enforce these training requirements in accordance with the division’s existing authority.
6. Specifies that Cal/OSHA is not required to adopt new regulations or establish a new program to implement these provisions and that enforcement shall occur as part of the division’s existing inspection and enforcement activities.
7. Provides that an employee who has completed CPR certification, first aid certification, or other training through a program that the EMSA determines includes training meeting or exceeding the minimum standards included in this bill, shall be deemed to satisfy these requirements and the employer shall not be required to provide separate training to that employee, as specified.
8. Authorizes the EMSA to establish a process by which a training program, certifying body, or employer may seek a determination that an existing training meets or exceeds the minimum standards described in this bill and provides that nothing shall discourage or limit training that exceeds those minimum standards.
9. Specifies that the training required under these provisions is for educational and preparedness purposes only and does not create an independent duty, authorization, or expectation for any employee to administer naloxone.
10. Provides that nothing in these provisions shall be construed to expand, modify, or supersede any state or federal law, regulation, or licensing requirement governing scope of practice, medication administration, or delegation of clinical tasks, including, but not limited to, requirements applicable under Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations.
11. Provides that these provisions apply uniformly to all covered employers and that no employer classification, facility type, or program type shall be exempt from solely on the basis of existing clinical staffing levels or internal medication administration policies.

Background

Many people take prescription opioids, medications like oxycodone or fentanyl, to treat medical conditions, while others may use these opioids recreationally. Some opioid medications are especially potent which increases the likelihood of an unintentional overdose. Fentanyl, for example, is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine.

According to Cal/OSHA’s Opioid Hazard Alert, “fatalities due to unintentional overdoses have increased in the last several years; more than 100,000 people died of an overdose in the U.S. in 2022. Workplace overdoses are also on the rise. According to the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 100 workplace deaths in California alone were due to unintentional overdose, accounting for 22% of all workplace fatalities occurring in California in 2022.”^[1]

Opioid overdoses are especially high among industries or occupations where there are elevated rates of injuries and those with access to opioids, such as law enforcement, emergency response, and healthcare. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analysis of 47,810 drug overdose deaths recorded in the National Occupational Mortality Surveillance system from 2007 to 2012 showed higher mortality rates for 6 occupational groupings: construction, extraction, food preparation and serving, health care practitioners and technicians, health care support, and personal care and service.^[2]

Opioid overdose medications, such as naloxone (also known as Narcan), are available to immediately reverse the effects of an overdose, but only if they are administered in time. Naloxone is not harmful if it is given to a person who is not experiencing an opioid overdose. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two forms of naloxone: a nasal spray and an injection. The nasal spray is available over-the-counter and does not require a prescription.

AB 1976 (Haney, Chapter 689, Statutes of 2024): In an attempt to respond to the opioid crisis and abuse of fentanyl in California, the Legislature passed and the Governor signed, AB 1976 (Haney) last year requiring Cal/OSHA, on or before December 1, 2027, to submit a draft rulemaking proposal to revise existing standards on first aid materials to require all workplace first aid kits to include nasal spray naloxone hydrochloride or another approved opioid antagonist to reverse opioid overdose and include instructions for its use. This bill also required the Standards Board to consider adopting the revised standards on or before December 1, 2028.

Building on the work started by the author with AB 1976, this bill would now require any employer operating in this state that requires CPR certification training of its employees to also require those employees to take a separate online video module training on the use of naloxone to increase the rate of opioid overdose reversals.

Prior/Related Legislation

AB 1976 (Haney, Chapter 689, Statutes of 2024) discussed above.

AB 1915 (Arambula, 2024) would have required the State Department of Public Health to develop an opioid overdose training program and program toolkit, as defined, to be made available to public high schools for public high school pupils to be trained on how to identify and respond to an opioid overdose, including by administering a federally approved opioid overdose reversal medication, as provided. The bill was held under submission in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

AB 1841 (Weber, Chapter 942, Statutes of 2024) requires that the California Community Colleges (CCCs) and the California State University (CSU) make federally approved opioid overdose reversal medication available on campuses and in affiliated housing and to train specified individuals in a position to quickly respond in emergencies.

SB 10 (Cortese, Chapter 856, Statutes of 2023) requires, among other things, a comprehensive school safety plan, and the school safety plan of a charter school, for a school serving pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, to include the development of a protocol in the event a pupil is suffering or is reasonably believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.

SB 234 (Portantino, Chapter 596, Statutes of 2023) requires stadiums, concert venues, and amusement parks to maintain unexpired doses of an opioid antagonist on its premises and ensure that at least two employees are aware of the location and provides indemnification, as specified.

SB 472 (Hurtado, 2023) would have required each public school to maintain at least two doses of naloxone hydrochloride on its campus. The bill was held under submission in Senate Appropriations Committee.

AB 19 (Jim Patterson, 2023) would have required each school that has elected to make a school nurse or trained personnel available to maintain at least two doses units of naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid antagonist on its campus. The bill was held under submission in Senate Appropriations Committee.

AB 24 (Haney, 2023), among other things, would have required a bar, gas station, public library, or residential hotel that receives an opioid antagonist kit from the California Department of Public Health to place the kit in an area of the facility that is readily accessible only by employees. Additionally, the bill would have provided immunity from civil liability to a person or facility for providing, or not providing, aid with the kit. The bill would have also prohibited an employer from requiring or prohibiting its employees to render aid with a kit. The bill was held under submission in Assembly Appropriations Committee.

SB 367 (Hurtado, Chapter 218, Statutes of 2022) requires the governing board of each community college district and the Trustees of the California State University, in collaboration with campus-based and community-based recovery advocacy organizations, to additionally provide, as part of established campus orientations, educational and preventive information provided by the State Department of Public Health about opioid overdose and the use and location of opioid overdose reversal medication to students at all campuses of their respective segments.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: Yes

SUPPORT: (Verified 8/3/26)

American National Red Cross (Co-source)
California Association of Alcohol and Drug Program Executives (Co-source)
California Behavioral Health Association
Drug Policy Alliance
Everyday Responder Project
GLIDE
Health Officers Association of California
Young People in Recovery

OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/3/26)

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: According to one of the sponsors, the American Red Cross and the California Association of Alcohol and Drug Program Executives:

California continues to face a growing opioid overdose epidemic, affecting communities of all backgrounds. Many of these overdoses are happening in locations where staff are already CPR-trained and where employers must have naloxone in workplace first aid kits. At the same time, the crisis is disproportionately happening across our state’s youth populations, where CPR-certified staff are present. According to the CDPH, the rate of opioid overdose deaths among youth ages 10-19 increased by 407% between 2018 and 2020. Yet, there has been little effort to respond to this alarmingly high increase in overdose cases. Additionally, the CDC has found that 63% of opioid overdoses occur in public settings with more than 40% of these cases occurring where a bystander was nearby. To combat this crisis, providing naloxone training to public-facing staff members will save lives.

AB 2150 improves health outcomes, reduces emergency response wait times, and equips bystanders with ability to effectively assess overdose emergencies. With just a simple spray, this overdose reversal medication can restore breathing in just 2-3 minutes, enhancing overall health outcomes and ensuring Californians receive timely care when every second counts.

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 78-0, 5/26/26

AYES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Ahrens, Alanis, Alvarez, Arambula, Ávila Farías, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bonta, Bryan, Calderon, Caloza, Carrillo, Castillo, Chen, Connolly, Davies, DeMaio, Dixon, Elhawary, Ellis, Flora, Fong, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Jeff Gonzalez, Mark González, Hadwick, Haney, Harabedian, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Johnson, Kalra, Krell, Lackey, Lee, Lowenthal, Macedo, McKinnor, Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Papan, Patel, Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Ransom, Michelle Rodriguez, Rogers, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stefani, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Zbur, Rivas

NO VOTE RECORDED: Muratsuchi, Celeste Rodriguez

Prepared by: Alma Perez-Schwab / L., P.E. & R. / (916) 651-1556

8/5/26 15:04:28

**** END ****

1. https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/dosh_publications/Opioid-hazard-alert.pdf ↑

2. Harduar Morano L, Steege, AL, Luckhaupt, SE. Occupational patterns in unintentional and undetermined drug-involved and opioid-involved overdose deaths—United States, 2007–2012. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2018;67(33):925–930. ↑

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT AND RETIREMENT

Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, Chair

2025 - 2026 Regular

Bill No: AB 2150 Hearing Date: July 1, 2026

SUBJECT: Employment: training requirements: opioid overdose reversals

KEY ISSUES

This bill 1) requires any employer operating in this state that requires cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification training of its employees to also require those employees to take a separate online video module training on the use of naloxone, approved by the Emergency Medical Services Authority to increase the rate of opioid overdose reversals; and 2) requires the Division of Occupational Safety and Health to enforce this training requirement.

ANALYSIS

Existing law:

1. Under the California Occupational Safety and Health Act, protects workers on the job by authorizing the enforcement of effective standards in addition to requiring employers to:
   1. Furnish employment and a place of employment that is safe and healthful for its employees.
   2. Furnish and use safety devices and safeguards, and to adopt and use practices, means, methods, operations, and processes, which are reasonably adequate to render employment and the place of employment safe and healthful.
   3. Do everything reasonably necessary to protect the life, safety, and health of employees. (Labor Code §6300)
2. Establishes the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) within the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) to, among other things, propose, administer, and enforce occupational safety and health standards. (Labor Code §6300 et seq.)
3. Establishes the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board, within DIR, to promote, adopt, and maintain reasonable and enforceable standards that will ensure a safe and healthful workplace for workers. (Labor Code §140-147.6)
4. Establishes within the Health and Welfare Agency the Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA), which is responsible for the coordination and integration of all state activities concerning emergency medical services. (Health and Safety Code §1797.100)
5. Requires Cal/OSHA, before December 1, 2027, to submit a draft rulemaking proposal to revise Sections 1512 and 3400 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations to require first aid materials in a workplace to include naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid antagonist approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to reverse opioid overdose and instructions for using the opioid antagonist. (Labor Code §6723)
6. Requires Cal/OSHA, in drafting the rulemaking proposal, to consider, and provide guidance to employers on, proper storage of the opioid antagonist in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. (Labor Code §6723)
7. Requires the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board to consider for adoption revised standards for the standards described in 4) above on or before December 1, 2028. (Labor Code §6723)
8. Provides that an individual who administers naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid antagonist approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to reverse opioid overdose in a suspected opioid overdose emergency shall not be liable for civil damages as provided in Section 1799.113 of the Health and Safety Code if the conditions in that section are met. Furthermore, provides that an individual who is licensed as part of a local emergency medical services agency shall not be held responsible for administering nasal naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid approved antagonist to reverse opioid overdose, regardless of whether the individual was certified for that activity, unless the individual was acting as a paid first responder at the time of the action. (Labor Code §6723)

This bill:

1. Requires any employer operating in this state that requires cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification training of its employees to also require those employees to take an online video module training on the use of naloxone approved by the Emergency Medical Services Authority, as specified, to increase the rate of opioid overdose reversals.
2. Requires that each employer pay for the costs of the training and ensure that it is separate from the existing CPR-training curriculum.
3. Requires the Emergency Medical Services Authority to review and approve the online video module trainings to ensure that the training includes, at a minimum, all of the following:
   1. Recognition of the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose.
   2. Appropriate response actions, including emergency procedures.
   3. Proper administration of naloxone or other opioid antagonists approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
4. Provides that the EMSA’s role is limited to approving the training content for consistency with these minimum standards and shall not include administration, enforcement, or ongoing monitoring of employer compliance with these requirements.
5. Requires that Cal/OSHA enforce these training requirements in accordance with the division’s existing authority.
6. Specifies that Cal/OSHA is not required to adopt new regulations or establish a new program to implement these provisions and that enforcement shall occur as part of the division’s existing inspection and enforcement activities.
7. Provides that an employee who has completed CPR certification, first aid certification, or other training through a program that the EMSA determines includes training meeting or exceeding the minimum standards included in this bill, shall be deemed to satisfy these requirements and the employer shall not be required to provide separate training to that employee, as specified.
8. Authorizes the EMSA to establish a process by which a training program, certifying body, or employer may seek a determination that an existing training meets or exceeds the minimum standards described in this bill and provides that nothing shall discourage or limit training that exceeds those minimum standards.
9. Specifies that the training required under these provisions is for educational and preparedness purposes only and does not create an independent duty, authorization, or expectation for any employee to administer naloxone.
10. Provides that nothing in these provisions shall be construed to expand, modify, or supersede any state or federal law, regulation, or licensing requirement governing scope of practice, medication administration, or delegation of clinical tasks, including, but not limited to, requirements applicable under Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations.
11. Provides that these provisions apply uniformly to all covered employers and that no employer classification, facility type, or program type shall be exempt from solely on the basis of existing clinical staffing levels or internal medication administration policies.

COMMENTS

1. Background:

Many people take prescription opioids, medications like oxycodone or fentanyl, to treat medical conditions, while others may use these opioids recreationally. Some opioid medications are especially potent which increases the likelihood of an unintentional overdose. Fentanyl, for example, is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine.

According to Cal/OSHA’s Opioid Hazard Alert, “fatalities due to unintentional overdoses have increased in the last several years; more than 100,000 people died of an overdose in the U.S. in 2022. Workplace overdoses are also on the rise. According to the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 100 workplace deaths in California alone were due to unintentional overdose, accounting for 22% of all workplace fatalities occurring in California in 2022.”^[1]

Opioid overdoses are especially high among industries or occupations where there are elevated rates of injuries and those with access to opioids, such as law enforcement, emergency response, and healthcare. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analysis of 47,810 drug overdose deaths recorded in the National Occupational Mortality Surveillance system from 2007 to 2012 showed higher mortality rates for 6 occupational groupings: construction, extraction, food preparation and serving, health care practitioners and technicians, health care support, and personal care and service.^[2]

Opioid overdose medications, such as naloxone (also known as Narcan), are available to immediately reverse the effects of an overdose, but only if they are administered in time. Naloxone is not harmful if it is given to a person who is not experiencing an opioid overdose. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two forms of naloxone: a nasal spray and an injection. The nasal spray is available over-the-counter and does not require a prescription.

AB 1976 (Haney, Chapter 689, Statutes of 2024):

In an attempt to respond to the massive opioid crisis and abuse of fentanyl in California, the Legislature passed and the Governor signed, AB 1976 (Haney) last year requiring Cal/OSHA, on or before December 1, 2027, to submit a draft rulemaking proposal to revise existing standards on first aid materials to require all workplace first aid kits to include nasal spray naloxone hydrochloride or another approved opioid antagonist to reverse opioid overdose and include instructions for its use. This bill also required the Standards Board to consider adopting the revised standards on or before December 1, 2028.

This bill:

Building on the work started by the author with AB 1976, this bill would now require any employer operating in this state that requires CPR certification training of its employees to also require those employees to take a separate online video module training on the use of naloxone to increase the rate of opioid overdose reversals.

2. Need for this bill?

According to the author:

“This bill will enhance the bystander response rates by requiring employers whose employees must maintain CPR certification to also provide a brief opioid overdose response training module from the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. Employers would be required to include this standalone opioid overdose prevention module alongside existing CPR-training procedures and would be responsible for covering the associated training costs. This will increase overall preparedness for overdoses occurring on and around work sites. This requirement will improve response times and lower the rates of preventable deaths and serious health consequences. Naloxone is a fast, safe, and effective overdose reversal medication that can restore breathing within 2-3 minutes. When administered promptly, it has been shown to reverse overdoses in 75-100% of cases.”

3. Proponent Arguments:

According to one of the sponsors, the American Red Cross and the California Association of Alcohol and Drug Program Executives:

“California continues to face a growing opioid overdose epidemic, affecting communities of all backgrounds. Many of these overdoses are happening in locations where staff are already CPR-trained and where employers must have naloxone in workplace first aid kits. At the same time, the crisis is disproportionately happening across our state’s youth populations, where CPR-certified staff are present. According to the CDPH, the rate of opioid overdose deaths among youth ages 10-19 increased by 407% between 2018 and 2020. Yet, there has been little effort to respond to this alarmingly high increase in overdose cases. Additionally, the CDC has found that 63% of opioid overdoses occur in public settings with more than 40% of these cases occurring where a bystander was nearby. To combat this crisis, providing naloxone training to public-facing staff members will save lives.

AB 2150 improves health outcomes, reduces emergency response wait times, and equips bystanders with ability to effectively assess overdose emergencies. With just a simple spray, this overdose reversal medication can restore breathing in just 2-3 minutes, enhancing overall health outcomes and ensuring Californians receive timely care when every second counts.”

4. Opponent Arguments:

None received.

5. Prior/Related Legislation:

AB 1976 (Haney, Chapter 689, Statutes of 2024) discussed above.

AB 1915 (Arambula) of 2024 would have required the State Department of Public Health to develop an opioid overdose training program and program toolkit, as defined, to be made available to public high schools for public high school pupils to be trained on how to identify and respond to an opioid overdose, including by administering a federally approved opioid overdose reversal medication, as provided. AB 1915 was held under submission in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

AB 1841 (Weber, Chapter 942, Statutes of 2024) requires that the California Community Colleges (CCCs) and the California State University (CSU) make federally approved opioid overdose reversal medication available on campuses and in affiliated housing and to train specified individuals in a position to quickly respond in emergencies.

SB 10 (Cortese, Chapter 856, Statutes of 2023) requires, among other things, a comprehensive school safety plan, and the school safety plan of a charter school, for a school serving pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, to include the development of a protocol in the event a pupil is suffering or is reasonably believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.

SB 234 (Portantino, Chapter 596, Statutes of 2023) requires stadiums, concert venues, and amusement parks to maintain unexpired doses of an opioid antagonist on its premises and ensure that at least two employees are aware of the location and provides indemnification, as specified.

SB 472 (Hurtado, 2023) would have required each public school to maintain at least two doses of naloxone hydrochloride on its campus. SB 472 was held under submission in Senate Appropriations Committee.

AB 19 (Jim Patterson, 2023) would have required each school that has elected to make a school nurse or trained personnel available to maintain at least two doses units of naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid antagonist on its campus. AB 19 was held under submission in Senate Appropriations Committee.

AB 24 (Haney, 2023), among other things, would have required a bar, gas station, public library, or residential hotel that receives an opioid antagonist kit from the California Department of Public Health to place the kit in an area of the facility that is readily accessible only by employees. Additionally, the bill would have provided immunity from civil liability to a person or facility for providing, or not providing, aid with the kit. The bill would have also prohibited an employer from requiring or prohibiting its employees to render aid with a kit. AB 24 was held under submission in Assembly Appropriations Committee.

SB 367 (Hurtado, Chapter 218, Statutes of 2022) requires the governing board of each community college district and the Trustees of the California State University, in collaboration with campus-based and community-based recovery advocacy organizations, to additionally provide, as part of established campus orientations, educational and preventive information provided by the State Department of Public Health about opioid overdose and the use and location of opioid overdose reversal medication to students at all campuses of their respective segments.

SUPPORT

American National Red Cross (Co-Sponsor)
California Association of Alcohol and Drug Program Executives (Co-Sponsor)
California Behavioral Health Association
Drug Policy Alliance
Everyday Responder Project
GLIDE
Health Officers Association of California
Young People in Recovery

OPPOSITION

None received

-- END --

1. https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/dosh_publications/Opioid-hazard-alert.pdf ↑

2. Harduar Morano L, Steege, AL, Luckhaupt, SE. Occupational patterns in unintentional and undetermined drug-involved and opioid-involved overdose deaths—United States, 2007–2012. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2018;67(33):925–930. ↑

ASSEMBLY THIRD READING

ATR Bill Id:AB 2150

Author:(Haney)

As Amended Ver:May 18, 2026

Majority vote

SUMMARY

Requires any employer operating in this state that requires cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification training of its employees to also require those employees to take a separate online video module training on the use of naloxone offered by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross to increase the rate of opioid overdose reversals. Each employer shall pay the costs of the training.

Major Provisions

1. Requires any employer operating in this state that requires CPR certification training of its employees to also require those employees to take a separate online video module training on the use of naloxone offered by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross to increase the rate of opioid overdose reversals. Each employer shall pay the costs of the training.
2. States that the training required in 1) above shall be separate from the existing CPR-training curriculum.
3. Requires the Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) to review and approve the online video module trainings described in 1), above, to ensure that the training includes, at a minimum, all of the following:
4. Recognition of the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose.
5. Appropriate response actions, including emergency procedures.
6. Proper administration of naloxone or other opioid antagonists approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
7. Requires EMSA's role to be limited to approving the training content for consistency with these minimum standards and to not include administration, enforcement, or ongoing monitoring of employer compliance with 1) above.
8. Requires the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) to enforce 1) above.
9. States that Cal/OSHA is not required to adopt new regulations or establish a new program to implement 1) above and enforcement shall occur as part of Cal/OSHA’s existing inspection and enforcement activities.

COMMENTS

The opioid crisis spans across many facets of daily life. The workplace is no exception. As stated in the author’s background materials, as of 2022, "workplace overdose deaths in California accounted for 18% of the state's workplace deaths, which is significantly higher than the national average of 11%."^[1] Put another way, overdoses at work are "causing more fatalities than falls at construction sites or being hit by machinery, and in 2022 were second only to car crashes and other transportation incidents."^[2] In addition, opioid overdose deaths are overrepresented among young people. California Department of Public Health's Overdose Surveillance Dashboard in 2022 reported that the rate of opioid overdose deaths among youth ages 10 to 19 increased by 407% between 2018 and 2020, while emergency department visits for opioid overdoses among youth also tripled during that time.

According to the Author

According to the author, "AB 2150 addresses a critical gap in our response to the opioid crisis by ensuring that the people most likely to be present during an overdose are equipped to act. While existing law requires naloxone to be available in many workplaces, employees are often not trained to recognize an overdose or administer this lifesaving medication. This bill simply builds on existing CPR certification requirements by adding a brief, practical training on opioid overdose response. By preparing staff in schools, libraries, and workplaces to act quickly, AB 2150 empowers bystanders to intervene in those critical moments when lives can still be saved."

Arguments in Support

The California Association of Alcohol and Drug Program Executives, sponsor of the bill, states, "AB 2150 requires employers whose employees must maintain CPR certification for their occupations to also provide an opioid overdose response training module from the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. By including naloxone education, this enhances staff’s ability to recognize and respond to opioid overdoses on site. This will significantly reduce overdose rates and increase the number of bystanders that are equipped to administer this life-saving medication."

Arguments in Opposition

None on file.

FISCAL COMMENTS

According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee,

1. Minor and absorbable costs to the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) to ensure employer compliance with the training requirement.
2. Minor and absorbable costs to EMSA to draft the curriculum for training on the use of naloxone, which the AHA and ARC online video module must include to satisfy this bill’s training requirement.

VOTES

ASM LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT: 7-0-0

YES: Ortega, Lackey, Chen, Elhawary, Kalra, Lee, Ward

ASM APPROPRIATIONS: 11-0-4

YES: Wicks, Aguiar-Curry, Calderon, Caloza, Fong, Mark González, Krell, Pacheco, Pellerin, Sharp-Collins, Solache

ABS, ABST OR NV: Hoover, Dixon, Ta, Tangipa

UPDATED

VERSION: May 18, 2026

CONSULTANT: Megan Lane / L. & E. / (916) 319-2091 FN: 0002846

1. CalMatters, “Fewer California Workers Were Dying on the Job. The Fentanyl Happened.” December 11, 2024. How the opioid crisis is killing California workers - CalMatters.[ https://calmatters.org/economy/2024/12/opioid-crisis-california-workplace-deaths/] ↑

2. Ibid. ↑

Date of Hearing: April 29, 2026

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Buffy Wicks, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2150

Author:(Haney) – As Amended Ver:March 19, 2026

Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No

SUMMARY:

This bill requires an employer that requires an employee to take cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification training to additionally require that employee to take certain training on the use of naloxone.

Specifically, this bill requires an employer to require that employee to take an online video module training on the use of naloxone offered by the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross (ARC) and requires the Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) to oversee the online training curriculum.

FISCAL EFFECT:

1. Minor and absorbable costs to the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) to ensure employer compliance with the training requirement.
2. Minor and absorbable costs to EMSA to draft the curriculum for training on the use of naloxone, which the AHA and ARC online video module must include to satisfy this bill’s training requirement.

However, this bill does not specify that EMSA “draft” the training curriculum, but that EMSA “oversee” the training curriculum. To the extent the author intends EMSA’s oversight of the training curriculum to be more significant than simply drafting the curriculum, such as requiring EMSA to certify the training, EMSA could incur more significant costs, possibly in excess of $150,000.

COMMENTS:

1. Purpose. According to the author:

While existing law requires naloxone to be available in many workplaces, employees are often not trained to recognize an overdose or administer this lifesaving medication. This bill simply builds on existing CPR certification requirements by adding a brief, practical training on opioid overdose response. By preparing staff in schools, libraries, and workplaces to act quickly, AB 2150 empowers bystanders to intervene in those critical moments when lives can still be saved.

This bill is sponsored by the California Association of Alcohol and Drug Program Executives and supported by other service providers and emergency response organizations.

1. Background. CPR Certification. Existing regulations require an employer to ensure there are an adequate number of employees trained as first aid providers at each worksite during each work shift, unless the employer can demonstrate that outside first aid providers (emergency medical services) can reach the worksite within five minutes. The employer must ensure that the employee serving as a first aid provider is trained, including in CPR. Additionally, existing regulations require all employees in certain professions to have CPR certification, including healthcare workers, educators and childcare providers, personal trainers, and at least one person on a construction crew.

Naloxone. Existing regulations require adequate first aid materials be readily available for employees on every job. The materials must be kept in a sanitary and usable condition, frequently inspected, and replenished as necessary. AB 1976 (Haney), Chapter 689, Statutes of 2024, requires Cal/OSHA submit to the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (OSHSB) a rulemaking proposal to revise specified regulations on first aid materials and emergency medical services to require first aid materials in a workplace to include naloxone or another opioid antagonist and instructions for use. Cal/OSHA must submit the proposal by December 1, 2027, and OSHSB must consider the standards for adoption by December 1, 2028. Although the law does not yet require naloxone at certain workplaces, access to naloxone at places generally is more common in light of the opioid crisis. This bill requires an employee that must take CPR certification training to additionally take AHA or ARC training on the use of naloxone.

Analysis Prepared by: Irene Ho / APPR. / (916) 319-2081

Date of Hearing: April 8, 2026

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT

Liz Ortega, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2150 (

Author:Haney) – As Amended Ver:March 19, 2026

SUBJECT: Employment: training requirements: opioid overdose reversals

SUMMARY: Requires any employer operating in this state that requires cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification training of its employees to also require those employees to take a separate online video module training on the use of naloxone offered by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross to increase the rate of opioid overdose reversals. Each employer shall pay for the costs of the training and the Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) shall oversee the training curriculum.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Establishes within the Health and Welfare Agency the EMSA, which is responsible for the coordination and integration of all state activities concerning emergency medical services. Health and Safety Code §1797.1.
2. Establishes the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) within the Department of Industrial Relations to, among other things, propose, administer, and enforce occupational safety and health standards. Labor Code §6308.
3. Requires, under the California Occupational Safety and Health Act, an employer to: a) Furnish employment and a place of employment that is safe and healthful for its employees. b) Furnish and use safety devices and safeguards, and to adopt and use practices, means, methods, operations, and processes, which are reasonably adequate to render employment and the place of employment safe and healthful. c) Do everything reasonably necessary to protect the life, safety, and health of employees. Labor Code, § 6300 et seq.
4. Requires Cal/OSHA, before December 1, 2027, to submit a draft rulemaking proposal to revise Sections 1512 and 3400 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations to require first aid materials in a workplace to include naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid antagonist approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to reverse opioid overdose and instructions for using the opioid antagonist. Labor Code §6723(a).
5. Requires Cal/OSHA, in drafting the rulemaking proposal, to consider, and provide guidance to employers on, proper storage of the opioid antagonist in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Labor Code §6723(b).
6. Requires the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board to consider for adoption revised standards for the standards described in 4) above on or before December 1, 2028. Labor Code §6723(c).

FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown.

COMMENTS: The opioid crisis spans across many facets of daily life. The workplace is no exception. As stated in the author’s background materials, as of 2022, “workplace overdose deaths in California accounted for 18% of the state’s workplace deaths, which is significantly higher than the national average of 11%.”^[1] Put another way, overdoses at work are “causing more fatalities than falls at construction sites or being hit by machinery, and in 2022 were second only to car crashes and other transportation incidents.”^[2] In addition, opioid overdose deaths are overrepresented among young people. California Department of Public Health’s Overdose Surveillance Dashboard in 2022 reported that the rate of opioid overdose deaths among youth ages 10 to 19 increased by 407% between 2018 and 2020, while emergency department visits for opioid overdoses among youth also tripled during that time.^[3]

According to the author, “AB 2150 addresses a critical gap in our response to the opioid crisis by ensuring that the people most likely to be present during an overdose are equipped to act. While existing law requires naloxone to be available in many workplaces, employees are often not trained to recognize an overdose or administer this lifesaving medication. This bill simply builds on existing CPR certification requirements by adding a brief, practical training on opioid overdose response. By preparing staff in schools, libraries, and workplaces to act quickly, AB 2150 empowers bystanders to intervene in those critical moments when lives can still be saved.”

The author continues, “Underserved and marginalized communities are disproportionately impacted by the opioid epidemic, often residing in service-deficient areas that limit their ability to receive adequate help when an overdose occurs. Specifically, these groups often face longer wait times for emergency personnel to arrive, are in areas where medical authorities are scarce, and struggle to access culturally competent care during the emergency. This bill would expand the population of workers who can effectively detect and administer naloxone to reverse the consequences of an overdose early on, significantly lowering the rates of harmful health outcomes.”

A note on the training required under this bill

The online training on the use of naloxone provided by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross runs about 15-45 minutes depending on the provider. According to the American Heart Association’s website, some of the topics to be addressed include:

• Identifying prescription and illegal opioids
• Recognizing why opioids are so addictive
• Identifying a possible overdose and how to respond to it
• Understanding what naloxone is, how it works, and how to give it to someone who has overdosed on opioids
• Recognizing the importance of treatment options after an opioid overdose

Arguments in Support

The California Association of Alcohol and Drug Program Executives, sponsor of the bill, states, “AB 2150 requires employers whose employees must maintain CPR certification for their occupations to also provide an opioid overdose response training module from the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. By including naloxone education, this enhances staff’s ability to recognize and respond to opioid overdoses on site. This will significantly reduce overdose rates and increase the number of bystanders that are equipped to administer this life-saving medication.”

Arguments in Opposition

None on File.

Prior Legislation

AB 1976 (Haney) Statutes of 2024, Chapter 689 requires Cal/OSHA, before December 1, 2027, to submit a draft rulemaking proposal to revise specified regulations on first aid materials and emergency medical services to require first aid materials in a workplace to include naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid antagonist approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to reverse opioid overdose and instructions for using the opioid antagonist.

AB 1915 (Arambula) of 2024 would have required the State Department of Public Health to develop an opioid overdose training program and program toolkit, as defined, to be made available to public high schools for public high school pupils to be trained on how to identify and respond to an opioid overdose, including by administering a federally approved opioid overdose reversal medication, as provided. The bill died in Assembly Appropriations Committee.

AB 1841 (Weber) Statutes of 2024, Chapter 942 requires the governing board of each community college district and the Trustees of the California State University to notify, by sending an email at the beginning of each academic semester or term, students of the presence and location of opioid overdose reversal medication and that each residential advisor and house manager, or the equivalent position, has received opioid overdose prevention and treatment training. The bill would also require that each campus train all students who live on campus on the use of opioid overdose reversal medication during student orientation for each academic semester or term.

SB 10 (Cortese) Statutes of 2023, Chapter 856 requires, among other things, a comprehensive school safety plan, and the school safety plan of a charter school, for a school serving pupils in any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, to include the development of a protocol in the event a pupil is suffering or is reasonably believed to be suffering from an opioid overdose.

SB 367 (Hurtado) Statutes of 2022, Chapter 218 requires the governing board of each community college district and the Trustees of the California State University, in collaboration with campus-based and community-based recovery advocacy organizations, to additionally provide, as part of established campus orientations, educational and preventive information provided by the State Department of Public Health about opioid overdose and the use and location of opioid overdose reversal medication to students at all campuses of their respective segments.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

California Association of Alcohol and Drug Program Executives (Sponsor)
Everyday Responder Project
Glide
Young People in Recovery

Opposition

None on File.

Analysis Prepared by: Megan Lane / L. & E. /

1. CalMatters, “Fewer California Workers Were Dying on the Job. The Fentanyl Happened.” December 11, 2024. How the opioid crisis is killing California workers - CalMatters. ↑

2. Ibid. ↑

3. CDPH. California Overdose Surveillance Dashboard https://skylab.cdph.ca.gov/ODdash/ (Last Updated: July 2022) ↑