Utah Senate unanimously passes bill letting trained volunteers give glucagon to students with diabetes

The Utah Senate voted unanimously on Jan. 19 to pass Senate Bill 8, a measure that allows trained volunteer school personnel to administer glucagon to students in diabetic emergencies, lets students carry diabetes medication and devices with parental and licensed-provider authorization, and grants immunity to volunteers who act in good faith.

Senator Arendt, sponsor of the bill, told the chamber the bill “provides for school personnel who are volunteers to be trained in the administration of glucagon.” She said the kits are simple to use and that trained volunteers can administer glucagon quickly to prevent brain damage or possible death in a child who becomes unconscious from low blood sugar.

Senator Jason E. Thomas, a cosponsor, asked for a demonstration on the floor; Arendt showed the glucagon kit and described the steps, emphasizing the training and the emergency use. Senators asked whether the presence of a licensed professional in an adjoining room would nullify the immunity; Arendt replied that protections apply only when the licensed professional is not literally available and that the principal liability concern is failing to provide the lifesaving medication.

With no further questions, Senator Arendt moved final passage. The clerk recorded 29 yeas, 0 nays and 0 absent; President Valentine declared SB 8 passed and ordered it transmitted to the Utah House of Representatives for further action.

The bill’s immediate effect is to authorize training and limited liability protection for volunteers and to clarify that students with appropriate written authorization may carry their medications and devices at school. The House will consider the measure next.