The hearing on SB328 was opened.

Carly Choi, Revisor of Statutes, provided an overview of SB328 (Attachment 1).

Kimberly Martin, Legislative Chair, Kansas School Nurses Association, provided testimony in support of SB328 (Attachment 2). This bill takes a critical step for student safety by updating existing statute to replace the restrictive term "epinephrine auto-injector" with a broader, inclusive language of "epinephrine delivery system". This allows Kansas schools to utilize any FDA-approved life-saving medication for anaphylaxis. This change was urgent to keep Kansas law aligned with medical science, removing barriers for lay responders, provide supply chain and budget protection, and provide a durable alternative in rural Kansas. The bill aligns Kansas with other states that have passed similar legislation. SB328 is a common sense update.

Kimber Kasitz, Director of Health, Homebound and 504 Services, Wichita Public Schools, provided testimony in support of SB328 (Attachment 3). The changes to statute within the bill ensure Kansas schools can use any FDA-approved epinephrine product to respond to life-threatening reactions. The updates also improve real-world emergency response. SB328 protects school budgets and supply access. Safety of our students is a priority.

Ms. Kasitz responded to questions from the committee.

The following provided written only proponent testimony:

Heather Braum,Senior Policy Advisor, Kansas Action for Children (Attachment 4)

Kenneth Mendez, President and CEO, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (Attachment 5)

The hearing on SB328 was closed.