Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1174

Filed

2/7/25

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to the administration of nonprescription medications to certain public and private school students.

Impact

If enacted, the bill will provide significant legal immunity to school districts and employees against civil liability arising from administering these medications. The underlying intent of SB1174 is to reduce barriers to immediate care for students who may require nonprescription medications and to ensure that schools can respond promptly to the health needs of their students without excessive procedural delays. The changes are also expected to provide clearer guidelines for school personnel, helping them to act confidently within the scope of their roles.

Summary

SB1174 aims to amend the Education Code regarding the administration of nonprescription medications to students in public and private schools. The primary focus of the bill is to allow school employees, including nurses, to provide nonprescription medications without the need for explicit authorization from a healthcare provider, provided that the parent or guardian has made a written request. This change is intended to streamline the process for administering common medications, enhancing the accessibility of care for students during school hours.

Contention

There are potential points of contention arising from the implications of the bill. Critics may argue that allowing school personnel to administer medication without a healthcare provider's protocol could lead to inappropriate or unsafe medication practices. Concerns could also be raised regarding the adequacy of training for school staff in recognizing when medication should be administered and ensuring the right dosage is given. However, supporters emphasize that parental control over the medication process remains in place, thereby balancing accessibility with parental authority.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

Chapter 22. School District Employees And Volunteers
- Section: New Section

Occupations Code

Chapter 301. Nurses
- Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX HB3029

Identical Relating to the administration of nonprescription medications to certain public and private school students.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2891

Relating to the use of glucagon medication on certain public and private school campuses.

TX HB920

Relating to the use of medication designated for treatment of respiratory distress on public and private school campuses.

TX SB294

Relating to the use of epinephrine auto-injectors and medication designated for treatment of respiratory distress on public and private school campuses.

TX SB2535

Relating to the use of prescription glucagon medication on public and private school campuses.

TX SB629

Relating to the maintenance, administration, and disposal of opioid antagonists on public and private school campuses and to the permissible uses of money appropriated to a state agency from the opioid abatement account.

TX HB1105

Relating to preventative health care and public health, including prohibited immunization and face-covering requirements, private business or school closures, and the ordering and administration of immunizations by a pharmacist.

TX HB4058

Relating to the use of opioid antagonists on the campuses of public and private schools and institutions of higher education and at or in transit to or from off-campus school events.

TX HB3680

Relating to the administration of opioid antagonists by a school nurse or school district administrative personnel at public school campuses.

TX HB2411

TX HB3735

Relating to the administration of opioid antagonists by a school nurse at public school campuses.