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Bill

SB 459

Education and Health - Emergency Use Epinephrine - Alterations

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Gile

Maryland expands emergency epinephrine access in schools and public facilities, improving treatment availability for severe allergic reactions while raising questions about funding, staff training, and liability protections.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 710
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Bill Summary · SB 459

Legislative bill overview

SB 459 modifies Maryland's emergency epinephrine access laws by altering provisions related to the storage, availability, and use of epinephrine auto-injectors in schools and other public facilities. The bill became law in May 2025 after passing both chambers and receiving gubernatorial approval.

Why is this important

Epinephrine auto-injectors are critical emergency medications for treating severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), which can be life-threatening. Changes to how and where these devices are stored and accessed directly affect response times during medical emergencies in educational settings where children spend significant time and where severe allergies are relatively common.

Potential points of contention

  • School resource allocation: Expanding epinephrine availability may require additional funding for device procurement, training, and maintenance across school districts with varying budgets
  • Liability and training requirements: Unclear whether the bill establishes sufficient liability protections for school staff administering epinephrine without formal medical training, or adequate training mandates
  • Access vs. oversight balance: Loosening restrictions on emergency epinephrine availability could improve response times but may create concerns about proper medical protocols and follow-up care coordination with healthcare providers

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

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