Suffolk Reporter

In Albany today, the New York State Senate unanimously passed a bill allowing law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel in Suffolk County and other regions of the state to carry and administer life-saving epinephrine injectors, also known as epi-pens.

This decision follows a previous enactment several years ago known as Gio's Law. This law authorized counties across the state to pass local legislation permitting certain emergency service providers to be trained in using epi-pens for cases of anaphylactic shock. However, when Suffolk County legislators proposed similar legislation last year, county attorneys found that the wording in Gio's Law prohibited counties with populations exceeding 1 million from taking such action.

Legislator Dominick Thorne immediately sought assistance from NYS Senator Dean Murray. Senator Murray collaborated with Senator Julia Salazar, the original sponsor of Gio's Law, to introduce legislation (S.7617 / A.7961). This new bill clarifies that all New York counties outside of New York City can pass legislation enabling law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS personnel to carry and use epinephrine injectors. The bill was carried in the Assembly by NYS Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal and passed unanimously earlier this year.

"I'm thrilled that we were able to work together to clarify the intent to allow localities throughout NY State to take these life-saving measures," said Senator Murray. "I urge the Governor to sign this bill into law as quickly as possible as it will, no doubt, save lives," he added.

Legislator Dominick Thorne reflected on a resolution passed in 2023 aimed at saving lives in Suffolk County through distributing epinephrine auto-injectors in police cars. "However, a NYS amendment to the current Gio’s Law was required," Thorne said. "My sincerest heartfelt thanks go out to Senator Murray for pushing the state to amend the law helping our brave men and women in law enforcement to have an additional tool to save lives here in Suffolk County."