Beekeeping business and public-safety advocates seek law letting organizations keep on‑site epinephrine kits

A representative of a commercial beekeeping company and other witnesses told the Joint Committee on Public Health that allowing businesses to obtain and maintain undesignated epinephrine auto‑injectors would improve response to unexpected anaphylaxis in public spaces.

Haley Shore, who represents Best Bees Company, said the company manages nearly 700 hives near public footpaths in the Boston area and that “many individuals don't know that they have an allergy to honeybees until their first sting.” She said tying epinephrine to an individual prescription and private coverage creates gaps: “Allowing businesses like ours to directly obtain and manage designated undesignated epi pens paired with appropriate staff training would provide a simple cost‑effective and potentially life saving solution.”

Why it matters: Witnesses argued that ready access to epinephrine in public spaces is comparable to public access to defibrillators; epinephrine is time‑sensitive in severe allergic reactions and is widely considered safe when used for suspected anaphylaxis.

Implementation and liability: Testimony urged statutory protections and reimbursement mechanisms so businesses and community organizations can maintain kits and provide training for staff; speakers noted similar laws exist in 36 other states.

Next steps: Supporters asked the committee to report H.2503 (and similar bills) favorably and to draft clear training, storage and liability language to enable wider adoption without legal ambiguity.