In March 2026, Governor Tina Kotek signed Senate Bill 1504 into law, delivering a meaningful update to school health policy. The bipartisan measure, sponsored by Senate President Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego) and Sen. Suzanne Weber (R-Tillamook), allows Oregon schools to stock and administer pre-measured epinephrine through delivery methods beyond traditional auto-injectors, including newly approved nasal sprays and other formats such as vials.

For decades, epinephrine auto-injectors (commonly known by the brand name EpiPen) have been the standard emergency treatment for anaphylaxis, a rapid and potentially fatal allergic reaction triggered by foods, insect stings, medications, or environmental exposures. Oregon already permitted schools to maintain “stock epinephrine” auto-injectors for use even when a student lacked a personal prescription. Until this law, however, those emergency doses were limited to injectable devices.

SB 1504 expands the definition of a “pre-measured dose” of epinephrine to include additional delivery routes such as intranasal sprays and vials for drawing and injection. The change directly reflects recent pharmaceutical advances, most notably the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval in August 2024 of Neffy, the first non-injectable epinephrine nasal spray for anaphylaxis. Advocates point out that needle-free options can be simpler and faster for school staff without medical training to administer, especially in high-stress situations where hesitation around needles might otherwise cause delay.

The legislation was inspired by Lake Oswego high school student Kailee Desmond, who lives with a severe peanut allergy. Her letter to legislative leaders described barriers to timely epinephrine access and prompted the bill’s introduction. SB 1504 passed the Senate unanimously in February 2026 and cleared the House before receiving final approval.

For school districts, the policy carries practical benefits. Training requirements for personnel have been broadened to cover multiple epinephrine delivery systems safely and effectively. Nasal sprays, in particular, eliminate needle handling and can simplify instruction. The law also reinforces existing liability protections: school employees who administer a pre-measured dose of epinephrine in good faith during a suspected anaphylactic reaction remain shielded from civil liability unless the act involves gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

Health experts note that this added flexibility is especially important in rural parts of Oregon, where emergency medical services may take longer to arrive. Anaphylaxis can escalate within minutes, and immediate epinephrine remains the recognized standard of care, even for students experiencing a first-time reaction. Stock epinephrine programs are therefore essential in every school setting.

Ultimately, the 2026 update builds on Oregon’s longstanding stock-epinephrine programs by aligning emergency preparedness with modern medication delivery systems. By expanding access to needle-free and other approved options, the law removes barriers to rapid treatment and ensures that when seconds matter most, school staff have the tools necessary to save a student’s life.