06/05/2026
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, 1 in 13 children in Pennsylvania suffers from asthma. This chronic respiratory disease inflames and constricts the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Asthma attacks can be unpredictable, often triggered by everyday exposures like pollen, dust, exercise, or viral infections. For some students, these attacks can escalate rapidly, creating life-threatening emergencies within minutes.
That’s why I introduced House Bill 2117, which passed the house this Wednesday. This legislation would authorize Pennsylvania schools to maintain a supply of short-acting asthma medications, such as albuterol or a nebulizer, and permit a licensed healthcare practitioner or trained school employee to administer them to students in respiratory distress, with the permission of a legal guardian.
This legislation is a practical, life-saving measure that strengthens the ability of our schools to respond in an emergency and reflects our shared commitment to keeping every child in Pennsylvania safe.
HB2117 now moves to the state Senate for consideration. For more information, click here:
HARRISBURG, June 4 – Yesterday, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed a bill introduced by State Rep. Carol Hill-Evans, D-York, which would ensure that lifesaving asthma medication is available for students in cases of emergency.House Bill 2117 would authorize Pennsylvania...