Mississippi House Bill HB137

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/22
• Refer: 1/4/22
• Failed: 2/23/22

Caption

Appropriation; Health Department to provide epi-pens and AEDs in IHLs, community colleges and schools.

Impact

If enacted, HB 137 will have an immediate impact on the preparedness of schools and educational institutions to handle life-threatening situations, particularly those related to severe allergic reactions and cardiac events. By ensuring that these medical devices are available in each educational building, the bill aims to provide a quicker response to emergencies, which is crucial in saving lives. The presence of AEDs and epinephrine autoinjectors is expected to foster a safer learning environment for students, staff, and visitors alike.

Summary

House Bill 137 is an appropriation bill that aims to enhance public safety in educational institutions across Mississippi by providing public postsecondary educational institutions and public school districts with essential medical supplies, specifically epinephrine autoinjectors and automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The bill allocates a total of $4,724,819 for the fiscal year 2023, indicating a significant investment in health resources designed to respond to emergencies that may arise within school settings.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on improving health and safety within schools, discussions surrounding its implementation may involve debates on funding allocation and the management of these resources. Notably, questions could arise regarding the training of staff to effectively use these medical devices and whether the financial appropriation is sufficiently funded to cover ongoing maintenance and training needs. Additionally, stakeholders may engage in conversations about the broader implications of such laws on statewide health initiatives and educational budgets.