Allergic Living: New York Passes Sen. Gounardes' Epi Auto-Injector Law for Ballparks, Big Venues

New York lawmakers have passed a bill requiring epinephrine auto-injectors in all large public venues in the state to better prepare them to treat allergic reactions. The legislation will make New York the first state to require places such as stadiums, ballparks and auditoriums and to stock the lifesaving auto-injectors.

“An allergic reaction can occur at anytime and anywhere, so we must ensure that epinephrine is as widely accessible as possible,” Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal tells Allergic Living. 

The bill requires venues with the capacity for at least 1,000 people to have epinephrine auto-injectors for public and private events. At least one person trained on the device must also be on-site.

Rosenthal sponsored the bill with New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes. The state Senate passed the legislation (S1078A) with a unanimous vote on May 29, 2024, after it passed in the state Assembly (A2885A) the week before. New York Governor Kathy Hochul is expected to sign the bill into law. It will take effect once she does.

“I am emotional and grateful to the legislature because this law will save lives,” Lucia Zaremba, 16, tells Allergic Living. “It’s an important step forward in increasing awareness and safety for those with allergies.”

The Brooklyn teen pitched the idea for the bill to Gounardes after seeing her brother John experience anaphylaxis. Their mom administered an epinephrine auto-injector that stopped his reaction. But Lucia wondered what would happen if he or other New Yorkers didn’t have access to an auto-injector during a reaction.

“Anaphylaxis can be terrifying and deadly,” Gounardes said in a statement. “Requiring epinephrine devices to be easily accessible … ensures families don’t have to live in fear every single time they go out to dinner, a concert or a ballgame.”

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