Gio’s Law
- Bill Number
- H.R. 4019
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-17: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-30T08:05:56Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation, titled "Gio's Law" (H.R. 4019), aims to enhance public safety by equipping law enforcement officers with the tools and knowledge to respond to severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). It establishes a federal grant program to provide epinephrine products—medications used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions—and related training, while promoting awareness and data collection on their use.
Key Provisions
- Grant Program: The Attorney General can award grants to states and local governments to:
- Purchase epinephrine products (such as auto-injectors like EpiPens or other non-injection delivery methods) for use by state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies.
- Train officers using standardized curricula on recognizing anaphylaxis symptoms and administering epinephrine.
- Training Development: Within 180 days of enactment, the Attorney General must create or identify effective training programs focused on identifying anaphylaxis signs and proper epinephrine administration.
- Application Requirements: Grant applicants (state executives or local government leaders) must submit details to the Attorney General, including a certification from the state attorney general that officers are protected from civil lawsuits (liability) when administering epinephrine in good faith to someone believed to be having an anaphylactic reaction.
- Funding Authorization: Up to $25 million is authorized annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to support the program.
- Annual Reporting: The Attorney General, through the Bureau of Justice Statistics, must submit yearly reports to Congress and the public on how often federal, state, local, and tribal officers administer epinephrine.
- Public Awareness Campaign: Within 180 days of enactment, the Attorney General, in partnership with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, must launch a campaign to educate the public on anaphylaxis symptoms and the role of law enforcement and first responders in providing epinephrine.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (a key law funding law enforcement programs) by adding a new "Part PP" to Title I, introducing the first federal grant program specifically for epinephrine access and training for officers.
- No prior federal mandate existed for such standardized training or grants, though some states may have local policies; this creates a national framework while requiring states to ensure liability protections.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Department of Justice (DOJ) gains new responsibilities for grant administration, training development, reporting, and campaign coordination, potentially increasing workload and requiring collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). State and local law enforcement agencies could receive funding to improve emergency preparedness without bearing full costs.
- On Citizens: Individuals at risk of anaphylaxis (e.g., those with severe allergies to food, insects, or medications) may benefit from faster responses in emergencies, potentially reducing deaths or severe outcomes during police encounters. The public awareness campaign could increase overall knowledge of allergy risks.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as the bill focuses on domestic U.S. law enforcement and public health.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Law Enforcement Agencies: State, local, tribal, and federal officers who will receive training, equipment, and legal protections, enabling them to act as first responders for allergic emergencies.
- State and Local Governments: Eligible for grants but must certify liability protections, which may prompt policy reviews or new state laws.
- Citizens with Allergies: Primary beneficiaries through improved access to life-saving interventions.
- Federal Agencies: DOJ (grant oversight and reporting) and HHS (campaign support).
- Allergy Advocacy Groups and Healthcare Providers: Indirectly involved in training development and public education efforts.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Emphasizes civil liability immunity for officers acting in good faith, which could encourage states to enact or strengthen "Good Samaritan" laws (protections for helpers in emergencies) but might face challenges if states lack such safeguards, potentially delaying grant access. The bill does not override state laws but ties funding to compliance.
- Constitutional: Aligns with the federal government's role in supporting public safety under the Commerce Clause (regulating interstate health and law enforcement activities); no apparent conflicts with individual rights, as it promotes voluntary training and response.
- Political: Named "Gio's Law," suggesting inspiration from a personal story (e.g., a tragic allergy-related incident), which could build bipartisan support for public health initiatives. The modest funding level ($25 million/year) makes it fiscally targeted, but implementation success depends on congressional appropriations and state cooperation.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (9)
Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Fitzgerald, Scott [R-WI-5], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Walkinshaw, James R. [D-VA-11]
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-17: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2025-06-17: Introduced in House
- 2025-06-17: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Gio’s Law — issued 2025-06-17 — PDF (4 pages)