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3/25/2025
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House approves Rep. O’Brien’s bill to require lifeguards, park rangers to be trained in Narcan use
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STATE HOUSE – The House today approved Rep. William W. O’Brien’s legislation (2025-H 5273A) that would require all full-time lifeguards, park and forest rangers who work at any public beach or facility to be trained in administering opioid antagonists, such as Narcan.
“The sad reality we find ourselves in today is that opioid overdoses can happen anytime and anywhere. This bill will further protect those who are suffering from substance use disorder if they are at any of the state’s beaches or public parks. While we continue to combat the opioid crisis, this bill will save many lives,” said Representative O’Brien (D-Dist. 54, North Providence).
The bill would also require all state and municipal public beaches or facilities that employ lifeguards, park and forest rangers to keep available a minimum of four doses of opioid antagonist.
Representative O’Brien’s legislation was a result of collaborating with North Providence High School student Brennan O’Connor for his senior project. Brennan approached Representative O’Brien and stressed the need for the legislation. Representative O’Brien then worked with Brennan to understand the legislative process, draft the legislation and usher it through the committee process to the House floor.
“This was an eye-opening experience to see firsthand how ideas become laws and I thank Representative O’Brien for taking the time to work with me to pass this lifesaving bill. Almost everyone has been touched by the opioid crisis in one way or another these days, and I felt it was critical to help protect people suffering from addiction issues. This bill will help prevent overdose deaths from happening, and hopefully, help people with substance use disorder get their lives back on track,” said Brennan O’Connor.
The legislation now heads to the Senate, where Senate Majority Whip David P. Tikoian (D-Dist. 22, Smithfield, North Providence, Lincoln) has introduced the legislation (2025-S 0343).
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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