ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Starting next year, all libraries in Illinois must stock medications for individuals experiencing opioid overdoses and train staff to identify overdose symptoms.

Governor JB Pritzker signed House Bill 1910 into law on August 1. This mandates all public libraries in Illinois to keep opioid antagonists, such as naloxone, readily accessible. These medications are used to counteract or reverse opioid overdose effects.

Additionally, the law mandates that libraries take all “reasonable steps necessary” to ensure at least one trained person is available during open hours to handle opioid overdoses. This includes recognizing and responding to an opioid overdose and administering an opioid antagonist.

Training can be provided by a recognized organization specializing in opioid overdose education or developed by the library using online resources from the Department of Public Health.

You can read more about the bill here. The law officially goes into effect Jan. 1, 2026.