Schools in New Jersey might have to keep a supply of allergy medications on hand.
A state Senate committee on Thursday advanced a bill that seeks to address the growing number of school-age children with food allergies.
The measure would also allow school nurses or other trained officials to give the treatment.
Under current law, school officials must have parent authorization before giving epinephrine to students suffering from an allergic reaction.
Lawmakers, however, say it's possible for allergic reactions to develop among students for the first time during school hours.
A Centers for Disease Control study has shown that 1 in 20 children in the U.S. have food allergies, which is a 50 percent increase from the 1990s.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
