Summary — HB 6921 (Public Act 25-143)
Title: AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE OFFICE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND CAREER SYSTEM AND CONCERNING THE ADMINISTRATION OF EPINEPHRINE AND GLUCAGON
Status and key dates
- Introduced: February 13, 2025 (Joint Committee on Education). Public hearing: Feb 19, 2025.
- Legislative action: Passed both chambers with amendments in early June 2025.
- Enacted as: Public Act 25-143. Transmitted to the Secretary of the State June 25, 2025; Signed by the Governor June 30, 2025.
- Note: Consult the Public Act text for the exact statutory language and the effective date(s).
Purpose and intent
- Implements a set of administrative, programmatic and regulatory recommendations developed by three state entities: the Office of Early Childhood (OEC), the Department of Education (SDE), and the Technical Education and Career System (TECS).
- Establishes or clarifies rules concerning emergency medical responses in schools and early childhood settings—specifically the administration of epinephrine (for anaphylaxis) and glucagon (for severe hypoglycemia).
Key subject areas addressed (based on bill title and classifications)
- Early childhood systems and birth-to-three early intervention services (policy/administration updates).
- K–12 education governance and operations (boards of education; school districts; magnet and special education matters).
- Technical Education and Career System administration and occupational training/mentoring.
- Policies governing child day care, youth camps, and institutions that serve young children.
- Health and safety in educational settings: protocols for school nurses, school employees, and emergency medical services relating to epinephrine and glucagon.
- Drug distribution and supply considerations for epinephrine and glucagon (implications for drug manufacturers and wholesalers).
- Liability, licensing, teacher certification/evaluation, regional service centers, grants and funding mechanisms tied to implementation.
Likely substantive provisions (summary of expected changes — read the enacted text for specifics)
- Authorization and protocols for nonmedical school and childcare staff to administer epinephrine and glucagon in emergencies, including training requirements and standing orders.
- Clarification of liability protections for personnel who, in good faith, administer these medications during emergencies.
- Requirements or recommendations for schools and childcare programs to maintain emergency supplies (epinephrine auto-injectors and glucagon) and secure supply chains.
- Administrative and program changes to improve coordination among OEC, SDE, and TECS for early childhood services, workforce development, and career/technical education.
- Possible grant programs or funding adjustments to support training, medication procurement, or implementation of recommended practices.
- Amendments touching on licensure, reporting, and oversight for institutions that serve children (including birth-to-three and special education programs).
Who is affected
- Children and students (including infants/toddlers in birth-to-three programs), particularly those at risk of anaphylaxis or severe hypoglycemia.
- Parents and guardians.
- School districts, boards of education, magnet and special education programs, TECS schools, child day care providers and youth camps.
- School nurses, teachers, other school/childcare employees, and EMTs.
- State agencies (OEC, SDE, TECS) responsible for implementation and oversight.
- Drug manufacturers, wholesalers, and entities that supply emergency medications.
Potential impacts
- Improved emergency care capacity in schools and early childhood settings, potentially reducing delays in treatment for anaphylaxis and hypoglycemia.
- Administrative and training costs for districts and providers to comply with new protocols; possible state grants to offset costs.
- Clarified liability and legal protections that may increase willingness of staff to administer life‑saving medication.
- Regulatory and operational changes across multiple education and child care programs.
Where to find the full statute
- For exact text, effective dates, and statutory cross-references consult Public Act 25-143 (HB 6921) on the Connecticut General Assembly website or the Office of the Secretary of the State.
