Assemblymember Karen McMahon (D-Amherst) announced that her legislation, “Beau’s Law,” to strengthen transparency among colleges, families and students when dealing with substance abuse and alcohol-related emergencies, has been signed into law (Ch. 599).

“It’s no secret that some college students experiment with alcohol or drugs, and that this behavior can put a student’s personal health, safety and academics at risk,” said Assemblymember McMahon. “Beau’s Law was inspired by Beau Miller, a young man whose struggles with addiction were unknown to his family until after his death from an overdose. This law will strengthen communication and accountability between families and institutions of higher education when it comes to campus policies regarding drug and alcohol violations.”

The legislation requires colleges and universities to provide clear and accessible information to students, parents and guardians regarding campus policies on notification of drug or alcohol violation, hospitalization or overdose for students under the age of 21. It also requires regular training of relevant staff under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) related to health and safety emergencies.

“It is my hope that Beau’s Law will help keep students safe while on campus by ensuring that all parties are aware of their responsibilities to students in crisis," said McMahon.

“College can be a challenging time for students and families: there are new experiences, more independence and more difficult life decisions to make. That’s why it’s so important families have access to clear information on drug- and alcohol-related emergencies,” said NYS Sen.

Andrew Gounardes (D-Brooklyn). “Nothing we do can bring back Beau or other young people we’ve lost to addiction. But this law can help protect students, and ensure they and their families have the information they need to prevent future tragedies and live healthy, fulfilling lives.”

“Beau’s Law is going to change the trajectory of how schools work with families in keeping their students safe,” said Alexa Friedman, cousin of Beau Miller. “With schools now disclosing how you can access these important emergency contact forms, parents and family members will be able to make sure their student is headed in the right direction. Beau was never given the chance to redeem himself, to heal, and to get what he could’ve received had we known what happened that night. I hope with Beau’s Law, he is no longer a statistic but a reason some students may be able to reach the milestones he was never able to. Thank you to Assemblymember Karen McMahon, Senator Gounardes, and Governor Kathy Hochul for recognizing Beau and his story. For believing in us and believing in me. I wish Beau was here to see how much of an impact he has already made, and how much of an impact he can make in the future.”

“Beau’s Law ensures students and families have clear, transparent information about how campuses communicate during alcohol- or drug-related incidents,” said Lola W. Brabham, President of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU). “This simple but important step helps families better understand what to expect as they support their students. CICU is proud to support this measure.”