Bill

SB 265

84(R) - 2015
Senate Education
Senate Education
Public Education

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Rodney Ellis

Bill Caption

Relating to student use of sunscreen products in public schools.

Fiscal Notes

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

5/24/15 Second Chamber Update:

The House Committee Substitute removed the provision that would allow a school employee to assist in the application of sunscreen. This change does not change our position on the bill and we remain supportive.

The second chamber sponsor is Rep. Sarah Davis.

Original Analysis Below:


SB 296 would amend code to permit students to possess and apply a topical sunscreen product while on school property or at a school-sponsored event. This would also permit school employees to assist in applying sunscreen with written consent from the parent. Currently, statewide code is silent on the use of sunscreen products and school districts adopt their own policies regarding medication in schools, which can include over the counter drug products. Sunscreen is regulated as an OTC drug product by the federal Food and Drug Administration.

Vote Recommendation Notes

This bill would affirm the principle of personal responsibility, therefore we support this legislation. It is imperative for children to learn how to be responsible for preventing overexposure to the sun to themselves, as well as allowing a parent to make a decision on whether his or her child would need the application of sunscreen while at school. This legislation would prevent overly-broad "zero tolerance" policies, which sometimes result in children being suspended for using over the counter medication at school, from effectively banning students from using sun screen at school or during school events.