Bill Caption

Relating to the use of epinephrine auto-injectors on public school and open-enrollment charter school campuses and at or in transit to or from off-campus school events.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State.

Local Government Impact

To the extent that the Commissioner of Education and the Commissioner of State Health Services adopt rules requiring districts to maintain epinephrine auto-injectors, local school districts and open enrollment charter schools would be required to stock epinephrine auto-injectors. The bill would apply to approximately 8,814 campuses. 

DSHS reports that campuses would need to maintain a supply of epinephrine auto-injectors in two strengths, 0.15mg and 0.30mg. Due to the short shelf life, unused epinephrine auto-injectors would need to be replaced annually. TEA and DSHS estimate that epinephrine auto-injectors would cost $110 to $450 per pack.

At least one employee on each campus would be required to undergo annual training related to anaphylaxis and epinephrine auto-injectors. TEA estimates the cost of such training at $20. 

Assuming a cost of $20 per campus for training and $220 to $900 per campus for a pack of epinephrine auto-injectors in each strength, total cost for all 8,814 campuses could range from $2.1 million to $8.1 million annually. To the extent that schools are able to access free training, and to the extent that schools could replace expired epinephrine auto-injectors at no cost, total costs may be lower.

School districts and open-enrollment charter schools could accept gifts, donations, grants, and federal and local funds to defray some of the costs for implementing the program.

Bill Analysis

SB 66 would amend Education Code to require the maintenance of a supply of epinephrine auto injectors by school districts and open-enrollment charter schools. This would establish an advisory committee to advise the commissioner on storage, maintenance, and training of personnel. School districts and open enrollment charter schools would be required to adopt and implement a policy and may accept funding to implement the requirements.  A report would be made if a epinephrine auto injector was used regarding the situation that occurred.

Vote Recommendation Notes

This bill would affirm the principle of personal responsibility, therefore we support this legislation. If children are required to attend school, it is important that if a life-threatening medical situation occurred then the school would have the means to assist in that. Since parents can't personally be there to care for their child, they should be able to know that the school will be able to adequately take responsibility for the well-being of that child.