Senate advances voluntary school epinephrine program to third reading

Senators advanced House Bill 176, a permissive measure enabling schools to elect to train and authorize school personnel (teachers, aides and other school staff) to administer auto-injectable epinephrine in cases of life‑threatening anaphylaxis.

Senator Tanner (sponsor in the Senate) and Representative Dayton (sponsor in the House) described the measure as voluntary and life‑saving: the device commonly known as the EpiPen can be administered quickly and with minimal training in settings such as playgrounds or cafeterias where severe allergic reactions can occur. Medical witnesses and several senators recounted instances in which rapid injection could have prevented fatalities.

Floor discussion clarified that the bill allows school districts to choose whether to participate and to train school personnel beyond licensed teachers (for example, aides and counselors). The Senate recorded a favorable second‑reading vote and the bill was placed on the third‑reading calendar (24 ayes, 0 nays, 5 absent). Sponsors said they would follow up with implementation details for school districts if the bill becomes law.