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Senate approves Emerson Kate Cole Act requiring allergy-response training for school staff
Summary
Senate Bill 331, named for a girl who died after an allergic reaction, passed unanimously and was declared an emergency measure. The bill requires training for those responsible for children in schools; sponsors urged broader adoption by private facilities.
The Oklahoma Senate passed Senate Bill 331, called the Emerson Kate Cole Act, which requires training to help school personnel recognize and respond to severe allergic reactions.
Senator Hines said the bill responds to the 2023 death of a 10-year-old, Emerson, who had a documented allergy and a 504 plan that the senator said was not followed. "This bill is trying to basically teach everybody that has anything to do with our kids ... how to recognize the early onset of an allergy, and what life saving steps to take," Hines said on the floor.
Senator Kurt asked whether the bill's provisions are required for daycare centers; Hines said the bill does not cover private daycare facilities and expressed hope private providers would adopt similar measures. Other floor discussion covered whether ambulance response and school insurance cover medical costs once 911 is called; Hines said most schools carry insurance and that procedures vary.
Senators advanced the bill with unanimous support; the clerk recorded 45 ayes and 0 nays on third reading. Senator Hines asked that the final vote be considered the vote on the emergency designation; with no objections, the Senate declared SB 331 to pass as an emergency measure.
Supporters said the requirement aims to train adults who supervise children in schools to identify early signs of anaphylaxis and take life-saving steps, an effort framed as preventing future tragedies like Emerson's.
