Elijah’s Law Signed in Arkansas: A Powerful Step Forward in Protecting Children with Food Allergies
- Sam Santos
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Elijah’s Law Signed in Arkansas: A Powerful Step Forward in Protecting Children with Food Allergies
The Elijah-Alavi Foundation is proud to share that on April 18, 2025, Arkansas officially became the sixth state to enact Elijah’s Law, with Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signing the bill into law.
This legislation marks a major advancement in ensuring that children with life-threatening food allergies are protected in early childhood education settings where swift preparedness can mean the difference between life and loss.
This achievement would not have been possible without the steadfast leadership of Representative Lee Johnson, the advocacy of Chris Martinez, and the unwavering support of the MidState Chapter of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). We are also grateful to the entire food allergy community for helping bring this critical bill to the governor’s desk.
Elijah’s Law has now been enacted in six states: New York, Illinois, Virginia, Maryland, California, and Arkansas. Each represents a growing national movement to ensure no child experiences a preventable allergic reaction in a space where they should be safest school. In addition to these states, Kansas City, Missouri made history in 2023 by becoming the first U.S. city to pass Elijah’s Law as a local ordinance, and Connecticut has embedded components of Elijah’s Law into broader legislation. These provisions include emergency preparedness protocols, mandatory staff training, individualized allergy action plans, and the availability of epinephrine delivery devices laying a comprehensive foundation for food allergy safety in educational settings.
This layered progress from municipalities to statehouses, and from standalone laws to integrated policies reflects the enduring power of Elijah’s legacy. It’s a legacy that continues to fuel change, safeguard lives, and demand accountability where it matters most.
Several additional states are currently in the process of introducing Elijah’s Law, further proving that this movement is not slowing down, it is growing stronger every day.
When asked about this latest milestone, Ondina Hawthorne, Co-Founder of the Elijah-Alavi Foundation, shared:
"This moment is incredibly personal. Seeing Elijah’s Law signed into law in Arkansas reminds me that our son’s life continues to make a difference. What happened to Elijah should never happen to any child, and this law helps make that promise real. We turned our grief into purpose, and knowing other children will be safer because of him means everything."
Thomas Silvera, Co-Founder of the Elijah-Alavi Foundation, added:
"Every time Elijah’s Law is passed, it’s more than a policy win, it’s a reflection of what we can achieve when we come together as a community. This movement was born from the life of my son, Elijah, whose story continues to protect and inspire others. What happened to him should never happen to another child. Together, we are building a future where safety, awareness, and compassion are not optional they are expected. And we won’t stop until every child is protected."
From unimaginable loss, a movement was born. And with each law passed, we honor that promise to protect, to educate, and to act before it’s too late.
If you would like to support the Elijah-Alavi Foundation’s mission rooted in community, advocacy, education, awareness, research, and training please consider making a donation today. Your contribution helps us create safer spaces for all children and ensures that no family has to face this journey alone.
With gratitude,The Elijah-Alavi Foundation
With heartfelt thanks,
Elijah-Alavi Foundation
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