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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.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kelly Hines and 1 co-sponsor

Oklahoma restructures school allergy response by requiring parental permission and 911 notification for medication while removing specific epinephrine references and altering staff training mandates.

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 and certain training programs while establishing new requirements around parental permission, 911 notification, and mandatory annual training for staff handling allergic reactions. The bill mandates development of model policies for schools to follow when addressing student allergic reactions and medication administration.

Why is this important

Allergic reactions, particularly severe ones requiring emergency medication, pose genuine health risks in school settings where trained response is critical. This legislation attempts to standardize how schools prepare for and respond to these medical emergencies, potentially affecting thousands of students. The bill's approach to parental involvement and emergency protocols directly impacts both student safety outcomes and school liability.

Potential points of contention

  • Removal of epinephrine specificity: Eliminating explicit references to epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens) may create ambiguity about whether schools must stock and deploy this life-saving medication, potentially leaving some students at risk
  • Training program changes: Eliminating references to "certain training programs" could reduce consistency in how school staff are trained to recognize and respond to allergic emergencies across districts
  • Parental permission requirements: Mandating parent permission before administering medication may create dangerous delays during medical emergencies if parents cannot be quickly reached

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

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