Simmons’ Student Health and Safety Bill Advances in Senate
Measure provides civil immunity to school bus drivers who administer epi-pens
HARRISBURG – The Senate Education Committee today unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Justin Simmons (R-Lehigh/Montgomery/Northampton) that would help to ensure the health and safety of Pennsylvania school students who suffer from severe allergic reactions.
House Bill 423 will next be considered by the full Senate.
“My legislation aims to help more children suffering from allergies to receive the benefit of life-saving emergency treatment,” said Simmons. “It came about over our concern for students who may have an allergic reaction during the bus ride to school. We want the driver to be able to treat a child quickly, without the fear of any legal liability.”
Simmons’ proposal would provide civil immunity to school bus drivers who administer epinephrine auto-injectors, or epi-pens, to students who experience an allergic reaction while riding on a school bus. Under the legislation, a school bus driver must first complete a training program developed by the state Department of Health and comply with school district policy to be qualified to use the epi-pen.
Some school districts and school bus companies currently permit their drivers to administer epi-pens to student passengers who have an allergic reaction. However, drivers may be reluctant to apply the potentially lifesaving treatment because of legal liability issues.
House Bill 423 does not mandate that school districts or school bus companies enact an epi-pen policy, only that such a policy would allow for civil immunity if the guidelines are met.
The legislation passed unanimously in the House last year.
For more information on Simmons and his legislative priorities, visit
RepSimmons.com or
Facebook.com/RepSimmons.
Representative Justin Simmons
131st District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andy Briggs
717.260.6474
abriggs@pahousegop.com
RepSimmons.com /
Facebook.com/RepSimmons