May. 17, 2017
New law provides civil immunity to school bus drivers and crossing guards who administer epi-pens to students with allergies
HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Rep. Justin Simmons (R-Lehigh/Montgomery/Northampton), that helps to ensure the health and safety of Pennsylvania school students who suffer from severe allergic reactions, has been signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf as Act 2 of 2017.
The new law amends the Public School Code to provide civil immunity to school bus drivers and crossing guards who administer an epinephrine auto-injector, or epi-pen, to a student who experiences an allergic reaction.
“I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard to finally get this important piece of legislation enacted,” said Simmons. “In this case, perseverance paid off, and now bus drivers and crossing guards can administer this medication to a student in medical distress without the fear of any legal consequences, possibly saving a life.”
Under Act 2, a bus driver or crossing guard 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. It 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.
Similar legislation sponsored by Simmons was passed by the House during the last two legislative sessions, but did not come up for a vote in the Senate.
The new law takes effect in 60 days.
Representative Justin Simmons
131st District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andy Briggs
717.260.6474
abriggs@pahousegop.com
RepSimmons.com /
Facebook.com/RepSimmons