House Health Committee advances anti‑choking device grants, licensing changes and a public‑health messaging bill

The House Health Committee met and advanced several health‑related bills, voting to send multiple measures to follow‑up committees and calendar rules.

The committee approved a limited grant program to reimburse local education agencies, charter and private schools, and first responders for anti‑choking devices, clarified licensing procedures for health boards, and approved a bill that would limit state public‑health messaging about FDA‑regulated products to what is reflected in FDA product labeling. Other bills on child‑care exemptions and laboratory collection stations also moved forward or were postponed.

House Bill 1084 — anti‑choking devices

House Bill 1084 would create a limited grant program, capped at $500,000 total from July 2025 through July 2028, to reimburse local education agencies, charter schools, private schools and first responders for purchasing anti‑choking devices. Under the bill, each school could purchase one device per cafeteria and each fire or EMS vehicle could purchase one device. The Department of Health would adopt rules establishing eligible devices and would administer the program. The committee adopted an amendment (drafting code 04/1946) before voting.

Sponsor remarks noted the devices are registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "These devices are registered with the FDA. And since this device is not invasive, this device is registered, but it's not approved," the sponsor said, adding that several restaurants and Hamilton County schools already use the devices and that they have been credited with several rescues in Chattanooga.

Members asked about medical endorsements and liability. Representative Mitchell asked whether the devices had been "approved or endorsed by the AMA?" The sponsor replied the devices are FDA‑registered but not FDA‑approved, and that…