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HB 337

Appropriation; State Department of Health to provide epi-pens and AEDs in community colleges, universities and schools.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Orlando Paden

Mississippi bill appropriates state funds to stock epinephrine auto-injectors and defibrillators in schools and colleges for emergency response to allergic reactions and cardiac arrest.

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Bill Summary · HB 337

Legislative bill overview

HB 337 would appropriate state funds to require the Mississippi State Department of Health to distribute epinephrine auto-injectors (epi-pens) and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to community colleges, universities, and schools throughout the state. The bill mandates stocking these emergency medical devices in educational institutions to improve rapid response capabilities during life-threatening allergic reactions and cardiac emergencies.

Why is this important

Anaphylaxis and sudden cardiac arrest can be fatal within minutes, and having immediate access to epi-pens and AEDs significantly improves survival rates. Educational institutions serve thousands of students daily and are logical venues for these potentially lifesaving devices, yet access and availability vary widely across Mississippi schools and colleges.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and ongoing funding: The bill requires state appropriations but doesn't specify the total cost or establish a maintenance/replacement budget for devices that expire and require periodic restocking
  • Implementation responsibility: Clarity is needed on whether individual institutions or the State Department of Health manages distribution, training, maintenance, and liability for these devices
  • Mandate versus discretion: Some may argue schools should have flexibility to determine their own emergency preparedness needs rather than a state-mandated one-size-fits-all approach

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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