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HB 2047

Schools; creating the Emerson Kate Cole Act; school medication policies; eliminating references to epinephrine injectors; eliminating reference to certain training program; parent permissions; 911; mandating parent notifications; allergic reactions; model policies; annual training.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kelly Hines and 1 co-sponsor

Oklahoma law requiring parent permission and 911 calls before school staff administer medications for allergic reactions, removing specific epinephrine guidance while mandating annual training.

Becomes law without Governor's signature 05/14/2025
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2047

Legislative bill overview

HB 2047, the Emerson Kate Cole Act, restructures Oklahoma school medication policies by removing specific references to epinephrine injectors while establishing new parental notification and permission requirements for allergic reaction treatment. The bill mandates annual staff training on allergic reactions and requires schools to call 911 and notify parents before administering certain medications.

Why is this important

Allergic reactions, including severe anaphylaxis, can be life-threatening emergencies in school settings. This legislation changes how schools respond to and document these incidents, potentially affecting response time, parental involvement, and legal liability. The removal of specific epinephrine references while maintaining medication administration creates ambiguity about treatment protocols during critical medical events.

Potential points of contention

  • Emergency response delays: Requiring parent permission and 911 calls before medication administration could delay treatment during severe allergic reactions when minutes matter critically
  • Removal of epinephrine specificity: Eliminating direct references to epinephrine injectors while keeping medication authority may create confusion about which medications can be used and when, potentially compromising emergency response clarity
  • Parental notification timing: Mandating parent notification could delay immediate medical intervention, conflicting with established emergency medical protocols that prioritize life-saving treatment first
  • Liability and training adequacy: New training requirements must ensure staff can identify and respond to allergic emergencies appropriately despite reduced medication guidance

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

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