Each year in July we update our Virginia Rules curriculum to reflect the state law changes from the past General Assembly session. In 2019 the following law changes were enacted:

• Good Samaritan Law: Individuals who seek medical help for a drug- or alcohol-related overdose no longer have to substantially cooperate with subsequent investigation in order to be eligible for “affirmative defense.” (SB 1349. Safe reporting of overdoses)
• Minimum Age to Purchase Tobacco: Increases the minimum age for persons prohibited from purchasing or possessing tobacco products, nicotine vapor products, and alternative nicotine products, and the minimum age for persons such products can be sold to, from 18 years of age to 21 years of age with an exception for active duty military personnel. (HB 2748/SB 1727. Tobacco products, nicotine vapor products, etc.; purchase, possession, and sale)

To see a full list of this year’s legislative changes, view In Due Course: 2019 Changes to Virginia’s Laws.

These changes affect the lesson plans and student handouts below; if you are an instructor, please download and replace the version you may currently be using:

• Alcohol and Tobacco: lesson plan, student handout
• Drugs – Overview: lesson plan, student handout
• Heroin: lesson plan, student handout
• Prescription Drugs : lesson plan