Yang Rohr Backed Bill Improves Student Safety with Allergy Instruction

NAPERVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, D-Naperville, advanced legislation that would protect students with allergies, encouraging school districts to adopt comprehensive training programs. 

“Countless families across the state struggle with protecting their children from allergens and their lethal symptoms, so we wanted to create a worthwhile piece of legislation that gives families some peace of mind when they send their children to school,” Yang Rohr said. “Bringing together faculty, staff, parents and leading experts, this legislation is a critical step to making sure we all know the signs, symptoms and proper procedures for an allergic attack.” 

Yang Rohr’s House Bill 3932 would expand safety instruction for high school students to include allergen safety. Students would learn the signs of an allergic reaction, steps to prevent allergen exposure, and response procedures including epinephrine administration. Schools would use materials prepared by the Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). 

The bill is supported by Naperville Central High School, the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Illinois Education Association. 

House Bill 3932 passed unanimously out of the Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum and Policies Committee. It now heads to the Senate. 

“Children suffer from more than just peanut and pollen allergies, and these allergies can vary from mild to life threatening, so it’s important that students can spot a reaction and help their fellow student,” Yang Rohr said. “By bringing CDC and DPH materials to the classroom, we can better prepare students for split second situations that save lives.”