Oregon schools could soon be permitted to use a wider range of treatments for severe allergic reactions under Senate Bill 1504, which has passed both chambers unanimously and now awaits Gov. Tina Kotek’s signature. The legislation would allow schools to administer any form of premeasured epinephrine, rather than limiting them to needle-based injections such as EpiPens. The change follows advocacy from Lake Oswego teen Kailee Desmond, who highlighted the need for faster and more accessible treatment options for students with life-threatening allergies. The bill’s sponsors, Senate President Rob Wagner and Sen. Suzanne Weber, said the measure reflects advances in medical technology and the growing prevalence of severe allergies among children. In 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved neffy, the first nasal spray form of epinephrine for anaphylaxis, and other methods, including dissolvable sublingual film, are under review. In addition to broadening permitted treatments, the bill would require additional training for educators on administering epinephrine and reinforce legal protections for those who provide the medication in good faith.
