Senate approves bill allowing emergency epinephrine administration outside schools and permitting students to carry EpiPens

Senator Dayton presented House Bill 56 to expand the classes of adults authorized to administer emergency epinephrine (EpiPen) and to allow students with severe allergies to carry auto‑injectors at school. "It is a life or death matter if it is needed and it could save your life and buy you time," Dayton said, urging support for the measure.

The bill extends the earlier authorization that allowed teachers to administer epinephrine and broadens it to include scouts leaders, counselors and park rangers. It also directs that educational programs on correct use and storage of auto‑injectors be made available "where funding is available" and permits students to carry their personal EpiPens.

Floor discussion included a brief demonstration plan (Senator Goodfellow volunteered to participate in a demonstration in the lobby) and the sponsor emphasized the public‑health rationale. The Senate voted on final passage by roll call; the clerk announced the bill received 29 yes votes, 0 nays and was returned to the House for further action.

The bill makes no claim to be a cure; sponsors and advocates framed it as an emergency, time‑buying measure to allow rapid response to anaphylactic events until medical care arrives. The House will receive the bill for its consideration and any appropriations or training‑funding decisions.