H.R.4019 - Gio’s Law (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.4019, also known as Gio's Law, aims to improve public safety by providing law enforcement officers with access to epinephrine and training on its administration. The bill amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to establish a grant program for this purpose. It also mandates a public awareness campaign about anaphylactic reactions and the role of law enforcement in administering epinephrine.
Expected Effects
The bill would lead to increased availability of epinephrine in emergency situations handled by law enforcement. It would also improve law enforcement's ability to respond effectively to anaphylactic reactions. Finally, it would increase public awareness regarding anaphylaxis.
Potential Benefits
- Increased likelihood of survival for individuals experiencing anaphylactic shock.
- Enhanced public safety through better-equipped and trained law enforcement officers.
- Reduced liability for law enforcement officers administering epinephrine in good faith.
- Improved community relations through proactive public health initiatives.
- Better data collection on epinephrine administration by law enforcement, informing future policy decisions.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for misuse or improper administration of epinephrine by law enforcement.
- Financial burden on taxpayers through the grant program and public awareness campaign.
- Increased administrative overhead for the Attorney General and Bureau of Justice Statistics.
- Possible civil liability issues despite protections, depending on state laws.
- Limited impact if anaphylaxis training is not consistently implemented or updated.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to improve public health and safety. The grant program falls under Congress's power to allocate funds for the general welfare. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but this bill does not appear to infringe on state powers, as it provides grants for voluntary participation.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).