AN ACT to amend and reenact subsection 3 of section 15.1-19-16 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to student self-administration of asthma or anaphylaxis medication.
Summary
SB 2196 amends North Dakota law governing student self-administration of emergency medication in schools. Specifically, it updates the definition of “emergency medication” in section 15.1-19-16 of the North Dakota Century Code to include a prescription inhaler used to relieve asthma symptoms and a device containing a premeasured dose of epinephrine for preventing or treating a life-threatening allergic reaction. The bill is focused on clarifying that both asthma inhalers and epinephrine auto-injectors fall within the category of medication students may self-administer under the existing school health framework.
The practical effect is to reinforce and broaden the statutory basis for students to carry and use these medications at school when permitted under the law. It does not create a new program, but it strengthens the legal language around emergency medication so schools, parents, and healthcare providers have clearer authority and guidance regarding asthma and anaphylaxis treatment for students.
Impact
The bill amends section 15.1-19-16 of the North Dakota Century Code, affecting school health policy and student medication self-administration rules. Its impact is primarily on public schools, students with asthma or severe allergies, parents or guardians, and school personnel responsible for medication policies and emergency response. By expressly naming inhalers and epinephrine auto-injectors, the bill reduces ambiguity in the statute and supports student access to potentially life-saving medication during the school day.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been received very positively and without controversy. It passed the Senate 47-0 and the House 83-0, indicating unanimous support in both chambers among those voting. The absence of recorded committee discussion or dissent suggests broad agreement that the measure is a straightforward, safety-oriented clarification for students with asthma or severe allergies.
Contention
There is no notable recorded opposition or substantive contention in the available materials. The bill’s language is narrow and technical, and the unanimous votes suggest legislators from both chambers viewed it as a common-sense update. If any concern existed, it is not reflected in the provided transcripts or voting record; the measure appears to have been treated as a noncontroversial school health and student safety bill.
AN ACT to amend and reenact subsection 3 of section 15.1-19-16 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to student self-administration of asthma or anaphylaxis medication.
AN ACT to amend and reenact subsection 1 of section 15.1-06-06, and sections 15.1-07-25.3 and 15.1-07-33 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to protection of student data and data sharing agreements; and to provide an effective date.
AN ACT to amend and reenact section 4.1-20-16, subsection 1 of section 4.1-20-18, section 16.1-01-00.1, subsection 1 of section 16.1-01-09, section 16.1-01-15.1, subsection 3 of section 16.1-05-01, section 16.1-06-02, subdivision g of subsection 1 of section 16.1-06-04, section 16.1-07-07, subsection 4 of section 16.1-07-08, section 16.1-07-09, subsection 3 of section 16.1-07-21, section 16.1-07-24, subsection 2 of section 16.1-07-26, sections 16.1-11-27 and 16.1-11.1-04, subsection 1 of section 16.1-11.1-07, subsection 3 of section 16.1-12-02.2, and subsection 2 of section 16.1-13-05 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to absentee ballots, election practices and administration; and to repeal sections 16.1-07-30 and 40-21-10 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to election notices and municipal voter registration.