Texas Senate Bill SB1665

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the use of prescription asthma medicine on public and private school campuses.

Impact

The legislation introduces immunity from civil or criminal liabilities for school personnel who act in good faith while administering asthma medicine. This protection is crucial for encouraging schools to adopt such health policies without fear of legal repercussions. By establishing guidelines for the maintenance, administration, and disposal of asthma medications, SB1665 aims to create a standard practice across Texas schools, thereby standardizing health responses and promoting a safer environment for students with asthma.

Summary

SB1665 proposes amendments to the Education Code of Texas concerning the administration of prescription asthma medicine in public and private school settings. The bill allows school districts, charter schools, and private schools to develop policies enabling school nurses to maintain and administer asthma medications to students diagnosed with asthma. This initiative aims to enhance student health and safety by ensuring that children have immediate access to necessary medications during school hours, particularly when symptoms arise unexpectedly.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for addressing critical health concerns in schools, it may also face scrutiny regarding implementation costs and the logistics of maintaining an adequate supply of asthma medicine. Some stakeholders, particularly parents and educators, may express concerns about the practicality of enforcing such policies. Additionally, there are discussions about the possible need for training school personnel adequately to manage the administration of these medications, which could involve additional resources and planning.