State Senator Del. Kannan Srinivasan (D-Dist. 32) answers why he voted against a bipartisan bill that would have mandated schools to inform parents within 24 hours of overdoses at school.
The Virginia State Senate passed the legislation unanimously, but Democrats in the Virginia House of Delegates blocked it.
A law requiring schools to inform parents of overdoses at school within 24 hours was introduced after several Park View High School Students in Loudoun County overdosed late last year. Many of these involved fentanyl. The Loudoun County Public Schools did not inform parents of the overdoses until weeks later.
“You’re running for this senate seat that includes Parkview High School,” Nick Minock, a reporter for 7News asked Srinivasan: “How can you be trusted by your constituents to represent their interest?”
Srinivasan replied, “My commitment [to parental notification], my commitment to tackle fentanyl and opioid crisis [doesn’t] waver. I support the immediate parental notification period 100% and my track record shows it.”
However, Srinivasan voted against the amendment proposed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin that would have mandated a 24-hour notice for parents. Srinivasan is also distributing to voters literature claiming that he supports laws which notify parents in the event of an overdose.
“You’re misleading people about your voting record,” Minock told Srinivasan.
Srinivasan replied, “I do not mislead people.”
Minock asked Srinivasan, “Would you expect the school system to inform parents if their child brought a loaded firearm to school?”
Srinivasan replied, “I support student safety 100%.”
Minock asked Srinivasan, “So you would expect the school system tell parents about a loaded gun at school?”
Srinivasan replied, “I expect that the school system will keep students safe and include parents.”
Minock asked Srinivasan, “Do you think that the school system should tell parents that if a child brings a pill that contains fentanyl to school, it could kill the student? Do you expect that the school system will tell parents that?”
Srinivasan replied, “I wouldn’t have fought so hard to pass these bills in the General Assembly if I didn’t believe in parental notification and involvement as well as keeping kids safe.”
Minock asked Srinivasan, “Why did you vote to not require schools to notify their parents within 24 hours?”
Srinivasan replied, “I voted to have the study done professionally so that all parties, parents, students, teachers and even teachers are consulted. I also voted so as to keep in mind privacy laws.”
Srinivasan directed the Virginia Board of Education, in a vote, to issue guidelines for schools to follow when notifying parents of student overdoses. The draft guidance will be released in January.
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