A bill for an act relating to school personnel training, emergency care planning, authorizations for assisting, and limitations of liability concerning students with epilepsy or a seizure disorder.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Driscoll

SF 111 mandates training for school staff on seizure care, ensuring timely response for students with epilepsy, while limiting liability for those providing assistance.

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SF 368.

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Summary of SF 111 - School Personnel Training and Emergency Care for Students with Seizure Disorders

Bill Number: SF 111
Title: A bill for an act relating to school personnel training, emergency care planning, authorizations for assisting, and limitations of liability concerning students with epilepsy or a seizure disorder.
Status: Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SF 368.
Introduced: January 23, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Civil Liability, Diseases, Education, Emergency Management, Epilepsy, Medical Care, Private Education, School Boards, School Districts, School Nurses, Schools, Students

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of SF 111 is to enhance the safety and care of students diagnosed with epilepsy or seizure disorders in educational settings. The bill mandates training for school personnel to recognize seizure symptoms and respond appropriately, thereby ensuring that students receive timely and effective care during seizures.

Key Provisions

Training Requirements:

By December 31, 2026, all public and accredited nonpublic schools must provide training for all personnel on recognizing seizure signs and administering seizure first aid.
School personnel responsible for student supervision or care must undergo this training on a biennial basis.

Consistency with Established Guidelines:

Training programs adopted by state agencies for school personnel must align with those developed by the Epilepsy Foundation of America or its successors.

Authorization for Medication Administration:

Schools must obtain signed and dated authorization from a student's parent or guardian before any school personnel can administer medications for seizure disorders or assist with self-administration.
This authorization is valid for the school year in which it is granted and must be renewed annually.

Liability Limitations:

The bill includes provisions that limit the liability of school personnel who administer care in accordance with the training and guidelines established under this legislation.

Affected Parties

Students: Particularly those diagnosed with epilepsy or seizure disorders, who will benefit from improved care and response during seizures.

School Personnel: All staff members responsible for student care will be required to undergo training, impacting their professional development and responsibilities.

Parents/Guardians: They will need to provide authorization for medication administration, ensuring they are involved in their child's care plan at school.

Procedural Timeline

January 23, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Education Committee.

January 28, 2025: Subcommittee formed to review the bill.

February 3, 2025: Subcommittee meeting held.

February 4, 2025: Subcommittee recommends passage of the bill.

February 19, 2025: Committee report approving the bill, renumbered as SF 368.

Conclusion

SF 111 aims to create a safer educational environment for students with seizure disorders by mandating comprehensive training for school personnel and establishing clear protocols for medication administration. This legislation reflects a commitment to student health and safety within the school system.