A bill aimed at improving emergency response to severe allergic reactions in schools becomes law in Oklahoma.

 

 

House Bill 2047, known as the Emerson Kate Cole Act has become law without the signature of Governor Kevin Stitt. The bill passed both chambers of the Legislature with broad bipartisan support, including a 92-0 vote in the House and a 45-0 in the Senate. It becomes law after the governor took no action within the constitutionally required timeframe, allowing it to take effect without his signature.

 

The measure requires public schools to call 911 immediately when epinephrine is administered to a student and mandates annual training for school staff on recognizing anaphylaxis, understanding food allergies and properly using epinephrine.

 

The legislation was prompted by the death of Emerson Kate Cole, a ten-year-old student from Amarillo, TX, who experienced food allergy-related anaphylaxis in 2023, but did not receive epinephrine. She passed away two days later. Her death sparked a push for stronger protocols to ensure timely emergency responses in schools.

 

The new law will take effect later this summer.