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Politics & Government

SB 161 Signed Into Law

SB 161 allows trained employees at California schools to assist students with epilepsy during emergencies.

SB 161, authored by Senator Bob Huff (R-Diamond Bar), has been signed by Governor Jerry Brown.

Now, volunteer employees at California schools who have been properly trained will be able to provide emergency assistance to students with epilepsy who suffer a seizure at school. Diastat Acudial is a pre-dosed preparation of diazepam gel that was developed to be used by those without medical training. It is considered to be the fastest, safest, and most effective way to treat epileptic seizures.

“If the medication is not administered within a matter of minutes following a seizure, children can begin to suffer severe brain damage and even death,” Huff said in a statement.

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There was opposition to the bill from union groups.

"The Governor's signature on SB 161 marks the victorious end to a long and bitter fight to provide the safety net that children with epilepsy desperately need in our schools," Huff said. "This victory proves that a determined group of parents, doctors, schools and other citizens can overcome even the most poewrful of special interests."

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