Andrew Powell
A bill that aims to enhance anaphylaxis training for school personnel and implement emergency action plans (EAPs) for students attending public and charter schools, was passed by the Florida House Wednesday.
Orlando Democratic Sen. Carlos Smith sponsored the bill (SB 1514). The legislation was presented by Orlando Democratic Rep. Rita Harris and Jacksonville Republican Rep. Jessica Baker, sponsors of a similar House companion bill (HB 1197).
The measure was passed unanimously and will next head to the Governor.
“This bill would ensure that public and charter school students’ emergency action plans are in effect at all times that the students are on school campus,” Harris said. “So, for students with allergies outlined in their EAP, this was to extend coverage to be on the school day and include all school activities including extracurricular events, athletic competitions, dances, and before-and-after school programs.”
Harris noted that in order to carry this out, the bill requires that K through 8 school personnel and school contracted staff of before-and-after school programs must receive training on allergic reactions and anaphylaxis.
“The goal of this legislation is to ensure that all students, especially those with allergies, can participate in school activities knowing that the staff are well prepared to handle emergencies,” Harris said. “The implementation would be directed to local school boards so that each district may set the plans to their expertise.”
Baker detailed how the legislation would impact families in her district.
“Constituents of mine, they have two kids with severe allergies,” Baker said. “They have a daughter who is allergic to peanuts and sunflowers, and they have an 8-year-old son who’s allergic to wheat, eggs, sesame, and tree nuts.”
Baker said the family had emailed her in March, urging Baker to support the bill. Baker said she then reached out to Harris to become a co-sponsor.
“This bill would make after and before care programs significantly more accessible and safer to working families like theirs,” Baker said.
