This bill requires colleges and high schools that receive federal funding to develop and implement emergency action plans specifically for heat-related illnesses among student athletes. Schools must create these plans within one year, working with local emergency responders, and include procedures for recognizing heat illness symptoms, coordinating emergency care, and using cold water immersion equipment and defibrillators. The plans must be posted in athletic facilities, shared on school websites, distributed to emergency responders, and practiced annually by coaches, athletic trainers, medical staff, and student athletes. Schools will also need to submit yearly compliance reports to the Department of Education. Additionally, the bill directs the Department of Education to inform schools about federal grants available to help fund heat illness prevention training and equipment. The legislation was inspired by the 2018 death of University of Maryland football player Jordan McNair, who collapsed from exertional heatstroke during practice and did not receive adequate treatment quickly enough to prevent a fatal outcome.
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