The Florida Senate has unanimously passed Senate Bill 1514, a measure designed to ensure that all conventional and charter public schools are equipped to administer EpiPens to students experiencing allergic reactions. The bill, which passed with a 37-0 vote, mandates that schools be prepared to respond to anaphylaxis both during and outside of regular school hours.

Legislative Action and Sponsor’s Statement

Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando, sponsored SB 1514. Following the bill’s passage, he emphasized the critical importance of the legislation:

It’s vital that we ensure our public schools understand the risk of anaphylaxis and have a plan should a child be exposed to a triggering allergen. The passage of SB 1514 could mean the difference between life and death for students with serious allergies.

Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando

Parental Peace of Mind

The legislation aims to provide reassurance to parents concerned about their children’s safety during school activities. Sen. Guillermo Smith noted:

This legislation also gives parents peace of mind that their child can safely participate in before, during, and after school activities in an environment where school personnel are ready and able to administer EpiPens in case of a medical emergency.

Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando

Inspiration Behind the Bill

The bill was inspired by Sherry Isler, whose son was unable to attend before-school care due to a lack of trained personnel to handle allergic reactions. Isler shared her experience:

The passage of this legislation has been years in the making. When my son Lincoln was unable to attend before school care, due to a lack of training of personnel on the management of epinephrine, I was resolute to make a change that guaranteed his access to all school-sponsored events and ensured his safety and the safety of other kids with these serious reactions. While the battle has been uphill, I thank the Florida legislature for listening and helping to protect our students.

Sherry Isler, Advocate

Support from Advocacy groups

Red Sneakers for Oakley,a non-profit institution established in memory of Oakley Debbs,who died from an allergic reaction at age 11,has voiced strong support for the bill:

we proudly stand in strong support of Senate Bill 1514,a critical step forward in protecting the lives of students across Florida who live with life-threatening food allergies. This bill recognizes a simple but profound truth: every child deserves to feel safe at school. By requiring emergency anaphylaxis training for school personnel and ensuring that a student’s emergency action plan remains effective and in place at all times, SB 1514 addresses a gap that has already cost too many young lives.

Red Sneakers for Oakley

Next steps

The House version of the bill, HB 1197, is sponsored by Rep. Rita Harris, D-Orlando, and awaits final approval. The bill has already passed unanimously in previous House committees. If approved by the House and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis,SB 1514/HB 1197 would take effect July 1.