Illinois Senate Committee Passes Dillon’s Law to Increase Epinephrine Access
an Illinois Senate committee has advanced House Bill 2462, also known as Dillon’s Law, aimed at increasing access to epinephrine for individuals experiencing severe allergic reactions. The legislation seeks to equip trained individuals with the ability to administer life-saving epinephrine in emergency situations, potentially preventing tragedies related to anaphylaxis.
The Story Behind Dillon’s Law
House Bill 2462 is named in memory of Dillon mueller,an 18-year-old who tragically died in 2014 after being stung by a bee. Mueller was unaware of his allergy, and critically, epinephrine was not available in the first aid kits of either the Eagle Scout present or the first responders who arrived on the scene.The bill is modeled after a similar law enacted in Wisconsin in 2017.
Key Provisions of House Bill 2462
- Increased Accessibility: The law allows properly trained individuals to carry and administer epinephrine to those experiencing allergic reactions.
- Emergency Preparedness: It aims to bridge the gap in emergency situations where individuals may not be aware of their allergies or have immediate access to epinephrine.
- Community Safety: By expanding the availability of epinephrine, the law seeks to enhance community preparedness and potentially save lives.
legislator Perspectives
State Senator mary Edly-Allen, a key proponent of the bill, emphasized the importance of Dillon’s Law in equipping communities to respond to allergic emergencies. Dillon’s Law is common-sense legislation that helps our communities become better equipped to help someone experiencing an allergic reaction.
She further noted, If a person does not know they have an allergy, they may not have access to epinephrine, which is why this bill could help save so many lives.
House Assistant Majority Leader Maurice West, who collaborated on the bill, shared his personal connection to the issue. As the father of a daughter with a peanut allergy, I know how crucial it is to be prepared for allergic reactions.
He added, Dillon’s Law will help keep people safe in unexpected emergency situations and help prevent unnecessary tragedies.
The Path Forward
With the bill’s passage through the Senate Judiciary Committee, it now moves closer to becoming law, potentially impacting the lives of countless individuals at risk of severe allergic reactions.
