SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson is advancing legislation to ensure students experiencing asthma attacks can access life-saving medication wherever school activities take place.

“Students should be able to participate in sports and school activities without worrying that life-saving medication is too far away when they need it,” Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) said. “This measure helps ensure asthma medication is available where students are most likely to experience symptoms so schools can respond quickly in an emergency.”

Senate Bill 2837 would allow schools to maintain a supply of asthma medication in any secure location that is accessible before, during or after school where a person may be at risk – including practice fields, gyms and other athletic facilities.

Asthma affects an estimated 201,000 children in Illinois and results in nearly 13,000 emergency room visits among school-aged children each year. Exercise-induced asthma – where symptoms are triggered by physical activity – can put student athletes at heightened risk of sudden respiratory distress.

The bill would complement the Resources for Every School Confronting Unexpected Emergencies program – known as the RESCUE Illinois Schools Program – which provides asthma medication and equipment to schools across the state. During the 2024-2025 school year alone, emergency asthma treatment was provided more than 2,600 times in participating schools, helping many students return safely to class without requiring hospitalization.

“Quick access to rescue medication can mean the difference between a student returning to class or needing emergency transport to the hospital,” Johnson said. “By making sure these medications can be stored where students are active, we’re giving schools another tool to keep children safe.”

Senate Bill 2837 passed the Senate Education Committee Tuesday.