State Rep. Maurice West Introduces “Dillon’s Law” to Protect Illinoisans from Potentially Fatal Allergic Reactions

ROCKFORD, Ill. – This week, State Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford) introduced “Dillon’s Law” (HB2462) into the Illinois House of Representatives. The legislation would allow trained community members to obtain and administer epinephrine in the event of anaphylaxis, a potentially deadly allergic reaction to insect stings, foods, and other allergens.

The legislation, modeled after a law first 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.

“Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that can occur in seconds, and immediate access to epinephrine can mean the difference between life and death,” said State Rep. Maurice West. “As the father of a daughter with a peanut allergy, I know how important it is to be prepared for allergic reactions. No one should suffer or lose their life simply because life-saving medication wasn’t available when they needed it most. This legislation is about protecting our communities, our children, and anyone at risk of severe allergic reactions.”

“Whether from food or environmental allergen exposure, anaphylaxis can occur suddenly and can lead to rapid decline and ultimately death if not recognized and intervened upon quickly,” said Dr. Jason R. Jackson, chair of advocacy for the American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians.“While individuals with known severe allergies will be instructed to always have an autoinjector with them, a significant number of first instances of anaphylaxis will occur in individuals with no known allergies and in a community setting. Dillon’s Law is lifesaving legislation for those with severe allergies and the American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians (ACOP) is proud to support it.

“Anaphylaxis, the severe and sometimes fatal allergic reaction, can happen at any time, anywhere, to anyone, and at any age,” said Angel Mueller, mother of Dillon Mueller. “Our son died from a bee sting. It was the first time he ever had an allergic reaction. The first responders were there within minutes but they did not have epinephrine. George and I are thrilled that Representative West understands the importance of Dillon’s Law and is willing to take action to protect families.”

“Epinephrine is the only medication that has been proven to save lives during severe allergic reactions.  It must be readily available and administered as soon as possible for it to be effective,” said Dr. Lenard Markman, DO. “With one out of thirteen children at risk for severe food allergies and up to 7 % of the population allergic to bee stings, Dillon’s Law is essential to help protect many children and adults.”

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur immediately after being exposed to an allergen like an insect sting or certain foods. When a person experiences anaphylaxis, epinephrine is the only life-saving medication available. However, epinephrine is prescribed only to people diagnosed with life-threatening allergies. If a person doesn’t know they have an allergy, they may not have access to epinephrine.

Dillon’s Law would allow anyone to be trained on the proper use of epinephrine, to carry epinephrine, and administer it to save someone experiencing anaphylaxis. Since it was first passed in Wisconsin in 2017, the Dillon’s Law has been passed in states like Minnesota, Indiana, and Michigan.

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