Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro Signs House Bill 928 Into Law
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed House Bill 928 into law, making Pennsylvania the eighth state to enact Elijah’s Law to protect children with severe food allergies in childcare facilities. The legislation requires early learning centers to stock epinephrine devices and mandates anaphylaxis training for staff members.
Thomas Silvera, executive director of the Elijah-Alavi Foundation, told Allergic Living that the swift signing represents a critical commitment to child safety. The foundation co-founded the advocacy effort following the death of his 3-year-old son, Elijah-Alavi Silvera, who died of dairy-induced anaphylaxis in 2017 after consuming a grilled cheese sandwich at a New York City preschool that failed to call 911.
Lawmakers and foundations support House Bill 928
State lawmakers passed House Bill 928 with bipartisan backing on October 21, prompting Governor Shapiro to sign the measure within 24 hours. State Representative Bridget Kosierowski sponsored the bill alongside Representative Kristin Marcell to ensure daycare personnel have the training and medication necessary for emergencies.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America partnered with the Elijah-Alavi Foundation to advance the measure. Jenna Riemenschneider of advocacy and policy, stated that the law ensures childcare providers can properly recognize and respond to severe allergic reactions.
Childcare facilities must stock epinephrine and train staff
The new statute mandates specific operational changes for Pennsylvania childcare facilities, subject to funding designated to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Facilities must acquire and stock epinephrine devices intended for use on anyone experiencing an allergic emergency.
Staff members must complete mandatory anaphylaxis training covering symptom recognition, emergency protocols, and the proper use and storage of epinephrine delivery systems. Facilities must also provide educational materials detailing allergic reactions and emergency protocols to parents and guardians in both English and Spanish.
National Expansion of Elijah’s Law
State-level protections continue to expand across the United States following the initial passage of Elijah’s Law in New York in 2019. Versions of the legislation currently exist in California, Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, New York, Arkansas, and Virginia, alongside a municipal ordinance in Kansas City.
In New York, lawmakers passed amendments in June 2026 under Senate Bill S8587A and Assembly Bill A9245A to mandate stock epinephrine for childcare centers, awaiting action from Governor Kathy Hochul. Advocates maintain that discrepancies must close so that emergency preparedness does not depend on geography.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does House Bill 928 go into effect in Pennsylvania?
The legislation takes effect in six months, giving covered childcare facilities time to implement required staff training, secure epinephrine supplies, and distribute parent education materials.
How many states have enacted Elijah’s Law?
Governor Shapiro’s signature makes Pennsylvania the eighth state to pass Elijah’s Law, joining California, Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, New York, Arkansas, and Virginia.
What specific training is required for childcare workers?
Staff must complete training programs that teach them how to recognize symptoms of an allergic reaction, execute emergency protocols, and properly use and store epinephrine delivery systems.
Worth a look