Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation that establishes the Childhood Anaphylactic Policy, creating added safety measures for students with life-threatening allergies. House Bill 102 provides guidance to school districts and daycares regarding anaphylactic reactions. In an effort to better help schools protect all students, House Bill 102 requires the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to establish anaphylaxis policies and procedures for school districts and daycare settings. To relay the most accurate information, IDPH will update the polices every three years in consultation with specialists. The information will be displayed online on the IDPH website, as well as provided to each school district, charter school and day care center within six months after effective date of becoming law.

To continue to help educate caregivers about the severity of food allergies and anaphylaxis, schools and daycare centers must communicate the policies annually to parents. IDPH will also work with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to establish the most effective policies and procedures. According to the Allergy & Asthma Network, in the United States one in 12 children have food allergies, yet 25 percent of reactions in school go without a previous diagnosis. HB 102 is based on Elijah’s Law, which was passed in New York in 2019. Similar to Elijah’s Law, HB 102 ensures that all children and students are safe, regardless of socioeconomic conditions. HB 102 is effective July 1, 2021.