Senate approves day-care anaphylaxis protocol bill, sets deadlines for DHR

Lawmakers unanimously passed House Bill 332 after the sponsor described a recent incident in which a day-care facility lacked an anaphylaxis protocol and staff were unprepared to respond. The bill directs the Alabama Department of Human Resources to develop a protocol in consultation with public-health authorities, the state pharmacy board and the American Academy of Pediatrics and to have a plan in place by Aug. 1, 2027, with implementation required by Jan. 1, 2028.

On the floor, the sponsor summarized the bill's purpose: to create guidelines, training and likely online certification materials that could be implemented at minimal cost and aimed at reducing response time and saving lives. "It establishes by 08/01/2027 plan. And then by 01/01/2028, they would have to implement it," the sponsor said, describing the timetable and the agencies that will collaborate on the protocol.

Senators spoke in support, noting that similar training requirements exist for school coaches and that having standard procedures for day-care staff is a preventive safety measure. The bill includes a limited immunity provision, with exceptions for willful misconduct, and tasks DHR to coordinate on training and materials.

After debate the body moved to final passage; the bill passed the floor on a recorded roll. Implementation will require DHR to work with public-health partners to publish guidance and develop training; the transcript does not include an agency cost estimate.

The measure now goes to enrollment and any further administrative steps required for execution at the departmental level.