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H 4641

An Act relating to seizure disorders in schools

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 15 co-sponsors

The act requires each school to have trained staff and written authorization plans to administer seizure meds and VNS-related care for students with seizures.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 4641

Summary: H.4641 — Seizure-Safe Schools Act

Overview

H.4641, titled An Act relating to seizure disorders in schools, would amend Chapter 71 of the General Laws to add Section 99 (Seizure-Safe Schools). The bill aims to enhance seizure management in schools by mandating trained personnel, standardized authorization and action planning, and protections for school staff acting in good faith. It was reported favorably by the House Education Committee and referred to the House Ways and Means Committee, with an introduction date of October 23, 2025. The act would take effect one year after enactment.

What the bill would do (key provisions)

  • Training and personnel

    • Each public school district and the governing body of private/parochial schools must have at least one school employee at each school trained to administer or assist with self-administration of:
    • Seizure rescue medications (as approved by the FDA or successor agency)
    • A manual dose of prescribed electrical stimulation using a Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS) magnet (as approved by the FDA or successor)
    • Training must cover administering seizure medications and manual VNS, recognizing seizure signs/symptoms, and appropriate response steps.
    • If a full-time registered nurse is employed by a school and oversees administration of seizure medications and VNS, that nurse’s role satisfies the above requirements.
    • Public schools must train principals, guidance counselors, teachers, and other direct-contact staff (including bus drivers and classroom aides) in recognizing seizures and appropriate first aid.
    • Training programs must be consistent with Epilepsy Foundation guidelines, but districts may use any adequate program that covers the required tasks.

  • Medications, authorization, and action planning

    • Prior to administering seizure rescue medications or seizure-disorder meds, schools must obtain written authorization from the parent/guardian and a health-care practitioner’s statement detailing: student name, medication name/purpose, dosage, route, frequency, circumstances for administration, and the medication in its unopened, labeled packaging.
    • Parents/guardians must collaborate with school personnel to create a seizure action plan (an individualized health plan). The Department of Public Health may issue guidelines for content.
    • The seizure action plan must be kept on file with the school nurse/administrator and distributed to relevant staff and volunteers.

  • Compliance, renewal, and scope

    • Written medication authorization is valid for the current school year and must be renewed annually upon meeting the F-f/ guidelines (f–h).
    • The provisions apply only to schools with a student enrolled who has a seizure disorder or has FDA-approved seizure medications prescribed by a health care provider.
    • A school district, district employee, or agent acting in good faith and in substantial compliance with the plan and clinician instructions shall not be liable for criminal or civil damages resulting from services provided to students with epilepsy or seizure disorders.

Who is affected

  • Public school districts, private and parochial schools, and individual school staff (including administrators, teachers, bus drivers, aides) at every school with a student who has a seizure disorder or requires seizure-related medications.
  • School nurses (full-time) who oversee administration of medications and VNS-related tasks.
  • Parents/guardians and health care providers of students with seizure disorders.

Implementation timeline

  • Effective date: one year after enactment.
  • Annual renewal: required each school year for medication authorization (f).

Additional considerations

  • Immunity from liability encourages compliance and timely response in emergency situations.
  • The act aligns school seizure care with Epilepsy Foundation guidelines, while allowing flexibility in training programs.

Status and sponsors

  • Status: Reported favorably by the House Education Committee; referred to House Ways and Means.
  • Introduced: October 23, 2025.
  • Sponsors include a broad group of legislators, notably Kate Lipper-Garabedian and Joseph D. McKenna, among others.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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