RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia will soon have a law that addresses how schools treat severe allergic reactions.

McDonnell plans to sign the law Thursday at Binford Middle School in Richmond. The measure requires that each school carry epinephrine auto-injectors and adopt policies on their use by the upcoming school year. Epinephrine auto-injectors such as Epi-Pens deliver a dose of epinephrine, or adrenaline, to counter the effects of a life-threatening allergic reaction.

The law also requires school nurses and other school employees to be trained before injecting students with epinephrine.

Sen. Donald McEachin introduced the bill shortly after 7-year-old Ammaria Johnson, a Chesterfield County first-grader, died in January from an allergic reaction to peanuts.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)