SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A bill on Gov. JB Pritzker's desk could expand access to life-saving asthma medication at schools.

The plan allows schools to keep a supply of asthma medication in secure locations that are accessible before, during, or after school where someone may be at risk. That includes practice fields, gyms and other athletic facilities.

This comes as exercise-induced asthma can put student athletes at heightened risk of sudden respiratory distress.

"It expands the trained personnel who may administer asthma medication to a student to include coaches and athletic trainers," said Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Waukegan).

Sponsors said this change will improve a current state program that provides asthma medication and equipment to schools. Emergency asthma treatment was provided more than 2,600 times in participating schools during the 2024-2025 school year alone.

House Bill 4247 passed unanimously out of both chambers this spring. 

Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.