Senate Passes Emerson Kate Cole Act to Improve School Allergy Protocols

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Kelly Hines, R-Oklahoma City, has secured final passage of life-saving legislation to improve how educators and school staff respond to severe allergic reactions.

The Senate on Tuesday unanimously passed the Emerson Kate Cole Act, which is named after a young girl who suffered a fatal allergic reaction at school in 2023.

House Bill 2047 mandates that school employees call 911 immediately after administering an epinephrine injection to a student and that they promptly notify the student's parents or guardians. Under this legislation, teachers and school staff who work with students will be required to undergo annual training on food allergies, how to recognize the signs of anaphylaxis and how to properly use an EpiPen.

Rep. Preston Stinson, R-Edmond, the bill’s primary author, introduced similar legislation last year.

"I'm thrilled to see this legislation pass and now look forward to the governor's signature," Stinson said. "Every parent deserves peace of mind knowing their child will receive life-saving care in an emergency. With proper training and swift action, we can make Oklahoma schools safer for every student. This bill takes a critical step toward equipping educators and staff with the tools they need to respond confidently when seconds matter most."

In addition to providing school employees with essential training on responding to severe allergy attacks, HB 2047 seeks to establish consistent emergency response protocols across all public schools.

“This legislation is about saving young lives and making sure school staff are prepared to respond in an emergency when every second counts,” Hines said. “By providing clear protocols and proper training, we’re taking practical steps to prevent future tragedies. I’m proud to have worked with Representative Stinson on this important bill.”

Senator Hines welcomed Emerson’s father, Stevan, and sister, Trinity, to the Senate on Tuesday to celebrate the bill’s final passage.

HB 2407 now advances to the governor’s desk.

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For more information, contact: Sen. Kelly Hines at (405) 521-5632 or Kelly.Hines@oksenate.gov or Rep. Preston Stinson at (405) 557-7400 or Preston.Stinson@okhouse.gov.