A new Illinois law allows school bus drivers and police to give epinephrine to students and others having severe allergic reactions.

The law also expands access to epinephrine auto-injectors in public places.

Certain public places and businesses may have auto-injectors available for allergy emergencies. This includes but is not limited to restaurants, amusement parks, theaters, camps, etc.

Epinephrine is the only treatment for severe allergic reactions, or anaphylaxis.

The law is not mandatory. The law allows, but does not require, state police, local police and bus drivers to give epinephrine after receiving training.

Training is also required for public places and businesses.

Bus drivers may be employees of a district or nonpublic school or hired by contract.

The police section of the law is named after Annie LeGere, a 13-year-old who died after having a severe allergic reaction at a sleepover. According to a news report, police arrived within minutes. But they did not have epinephrine.

Annie’s mom created a foundation in her daughter's name and began lobbying to have police equipped with epinephrine. The foundation will hold a dedication Saturday, August 27, 2016 at the middle school Annie attended.