California SB161 Passes in Assembly
August 31, 2011
California Senate Bill 161 (the CA Diastat bill) advanced beyond another major hurdle on August 30. It passed the California Assembly with a vote of 47–16. The bill now goes back to the Senate for concurrence with the Assembly amendments and, if passed there, onto Governor Brown to be signed. The bill originally passed in the CA Senate on June 2, 2011.
The support for this bill has been possible through the efforts of Epilepsy California and their statewide network of advocates. The epilepsy community extends its gratitude to Advocacy Coordinator Ann Kinkor and her husband, Jim, for walking the halls of California's capitol building, meeting with legislators, rebutting strong opposition and coordinating advocacy efforts.
While the bill is getting closer to being passed, the challenge is not over. The momentum is strong but the epilepsy community needs to continue advocating for the rights of children with epilepsy and remain involved to ensure this bill passes.
Epilepsy California Advocacy Coordinator Ann Kinkor and her husband, Jim, accepting a proclamation from California Assemblywoman and Speaker pro Tempore Fiona May declaring September as Students with Epilepsy Month.
Susan Pietsch-Escueta (Executive Director Epilepsy Foundation Greater Los Angeles) thanking Senator Bob Huff for his sponsorship and support of the SB 161 (the CA Diastat bill).
Background on SB 161
This bill authorizes volunteer, trained, non-medical personnel in schools to administer emergency medication to students with epilepsy suffering from prolonged seizures who require access to a life-saving emergency medication such as Diastat. Appropriate emergency intervention is extremely time-sensitive as these prolonged seizures (cluster seizures or status epilepticus) can have devastating consequences for children, including brain injury and death.
Previous News Briefs on SB 161 include, Lifesaving Legislation in California Needs Support, California Advocates Help Pass Lifesaving Legislation, and California Advocates Fight for Right to Administer Life-Saving Seizure Medication.
