SPRINGFIELD – According to the Food Allergy Research & Education organization (FARE), 33 million Americans have a food allergy, with the most common allergies including milk, tree nuts, shellfish and peanuts. To increase the accessibility of epinephrine to help those having an allergic reaction, State Senator

Mary Edly-Allen worked with House Assistant Majority Leader Maurice West to bring House Bill 2462 to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

House Bill 2462, modeled after a law passed in Wisconsin in 2017, is named after 18-year-old Dillon Mueller, who died in 2014 after being stung by a bee without any previous knowledge of an allergy. No epinephrine was available in the first aid kits of either the Eagle Scout with him or the arriving first responders. This legislation would allow individuals who are properly trained to carry and administer the epinephrine to individuals having an allergic reaction.

“Dillon’s Law is common-sense legislation that helps our communities become better equipped to help someone experiencing an allergic reaction,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “If a person does not know they have an allergy, they may not have access to epinephrine, which is why this bill could help save so many lives.”

“As the father of a daughter with a peanut allergy, I know how important it is to be prepared for allergic reactions,” said West (D-Rockford). “Dillon’s Law will help keep people safe in unexpected emergency situations and help prevent unnecessary tragedies.”

House Bill 2462 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.