TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A bill advocated by a mother from Orange County, which would necessitate EpiPen and anaphylaxis training in specific school programs, is one step closer to reaching Gov. DeSantis’ desk.
The Florida Senate unanimously passed SB 1514 on Thursday. It would require staff training on allergies and EpiPens in before and after school programs at public and charter schools statewide.
News 6 has followed Sherry Isler’s journey over the past few years to make this bill a law.
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Isler began her campaign after learning her son would not have access to or help with his EpiPen.
After the Islers first shared their story, Orange County Public Schools informed News 6 that they now mandate allergy and EpiPen training in all before and after school programs, but Isler is aiming for statewide implementation.
According to a Florida Department of Health report from 2023, some 76,000 students have life-threatening allergies.
Isler went to Tallahassee to help campaign for the bill.
“There have been children that have died from anaphylaxis at schools, and it really shouldn’t happen. As long as they have training on how to prevent an allergic reaction and how to treat it immediately, nobody has to die,” Isler told News 6.
The final version of the bill will only apply to grades kindergarten through eighth.
State Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando, who shepherded the bill in the Senate, said it was vital that schools have a plan while a child is in their care.
“This legislation also gives parents peace of mind that their child can safely participate in before, during, and after school activities in an environment where school personnel are ready and able to administer EpiPens in case of a medical emergency,” Smith said in a statement.
The bill still has to pass the Florida House. State Rep. Rita Harris, D-Orlando, got the bill passed through its committees in that chamber. Her staff says they are hoping the bill will be heard next week.
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