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

The bill 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, including 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-Buffalo Grove).

House Bill 4247 passed unanimously out of the Senate Thursday. The measure received unanimous support from the House in April. 

Sponsors said the proposal complements the Resources for Every School Confronting Unexpected Emergencies program which provides asthma medication and equipment to schools across the state. Emergency asthma treatment was provided more than 2,600 times in participating schools during the 2024-2025 school year alone. 

"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." 

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