Senator César Blanco Passes Bill to Expand Access to Lifesaving Epinephrine

Press Release Contact: Taylor Sanchez
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Taylor.sanchez@senate.texas.gov
May 26, 2025
Senator César Blanco Passes Bill to Expand Access
to Lifesaving Epinephrine
Austin, Texas – The Texas Senate has passed House Bill 163, sponsored by Senator César J.
Blanco and authored by Representative Philip Cortez, expanding access to lifesaving epinephrine
auto-injectors (EpiPens) across the state.
Under current law, only a limited number of entities in Texas are permitted to maintain and
administer EpiPens. HB 163 removes those restrictions and allows any entity, such as
restaurants, community centers, sports venues, and other public spaces, to adopt policies to keep
and use epinephrine auto-injectors in the event of a severe allergic reaction.
An estimated 1,500 people in the United States die each year from anaphylactic reactions.
Epinephrine, when administered promptly, can reverse symptoms and prevent fatalities.
Senator Blanco issued the following statement:
“Anaphylaxis can happen anywhere, and it can become deadly in minutes.
“This bill gives more Texans the ability to respond in a moment of crisis - whether it’s a coach
on a field, a kid on the playground, or a counselor at a summer camp.
“We can’t predict where the next emergency will happen, but we can make sure we’re ready for
it. I’m proud to sponsor this commonsense, life-saving legislation in the Senate and appreciate
Representative Cortez’s leadership in authoring the bill.”
Representative Cortez issued the following statement:
“I am thankful for the chance to promote allergy awareness and potentially save more lives in
Texas. It is an honor to continue my efforts from the last session with the Sergio Lopez Food
Allergy Awareness Act and build upon that. The collaboration between Senator Blanco and I
will have a lasting impact on Texans.”
House Bill 163 now heads to the Governor for signature.
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