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HB 1817

TO ESTABLISH ELIJAH'S LAW IN ARKANSAS; AND TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ESTABLISH A STATEWIDE ANAPHYLAXIS POLICY FOR CHILDCARE FACILITIES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Justin Boyd and 1 co-sponsor

Elijah's Law mandates Arkansas childcare facilities to adopt a statewide anaphylaxis policy, ensuring staff are trained to prevent and respond to food allergy emergencies.

Notification that HB1817 is now Act 865
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Bill Summary · HB 1817

Summary of House Bill 1817: Elijah's Law

Bill Number: HB 1817
Title: To Establish Elijah's Law in Arkansas; and to Require the Department of Health and the Department of Education to Establish a Statewide Anaphylaxis Policy for Childcare Facilities
Status: Now Act 865
Introduced: March 17, 2025

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1817, known as "Elijah's Law," aims to enhance the safety of children with food allergies in childcare facilities across Arkansas. The legislation mandates the establishment of a comprehensive statewide anaphylaxis policy to ensure that childcare providers are equipped to prevent and respond to allergic reactions, thereby protecting the lives of children in their care.

Key Provisions

The bill outlines several critical components for the anaphylaxis policy:

  1. Policy Development:

    • The Department of Education, in collaboration with the Department of Health, is tasked with creating guidelines for preventing anaphylaxis and managing emergencies related to food allergies.
    • The policy will include protocols for administering epinephrine and ensuring that childcare staff are trained and have access to emergency medications.

  2. Informational Materials:

    • The Departments will develop and distribute educational materials regarding the anaphylaxis policy to all childcare facilities, ensuring that staff and parents are informed.

  3. Emergency Protocols:

    • The policy will detail emergency response procedures, including weight-based dosing guidelines for epinephrine and individualized emergency healthcare plans for children with allergies.

  4. Communication Plans:

    • Facilities must establish a communication strategy to inform parents and guardians about the anaphylaxis policy and engage them in discussions about their children's specific allergies.

  5. Implementation Timeline:

    • Childcare facilities must implement or update their anaphylaxis policies within six months of receiving the state policy.
    • The Department of Education is required to distribute the anaphylaxis policy to all childcare facilities within one year of the law's effective date.

  6. Funding Opportunities:

    • Childcare facilities may apply for federal funding through the Child Care and Development Block Grant to support training and the procurement of necessary medical supplies, including epinephrine.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • This legislation directly impacts childcare facilities, staff, parents of children with food allergies, and healthcare providers involved in allergy management.

  • Goal:

    • The overarching goal is to create safer environments for children with food allergies, reducing the risk of anaphylactic reactions and ensuring that childcare personnel are prepared to respond effectively in emergencies.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on March 17, 2025, and underwent several readings and amendments before being passed by both the House and Senate.
  • It was officially enrolled and transmitted to the Governor's Office on April 15, 2025, and became law on April 17, 2025.

Elijah's Law represents a significant step towards safeguarding the health and safety of children with food allergies in Arkansas, ensuring that childcare facilities are better prepared to manage these potentially life-threatening conditions.

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

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