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Bill

HD 652

An Act relating to seizure disorders in schools

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kate Lipper-Garabedian and 1 co-sponsor

Mass. Seizure-Safe Schools Act requires trained staff at all K-12 schools to administer seizure medications and/or VNS, with seizure action plans, annual renewals, and training.

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Bill Summary · HD 652

Summary: Seizure-Safe Schools Act (House Docket No. 652)

Purpose

Establish a comprehensive framework to support students with seizure disorders in Massachusetts schools. The bill aims to ensure timely access to seizure rescue medications and, where appropriate, manual vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), along with standardized training, individualized planning, and education to foster safer school environments for affected students.

Key Provisions

  • Staffing and training (Section 99(a)-(b))

    • Each school district must have at least one trained employee at every public, private, or parochial school who can administer seizure rescue medication and/or manual VNS stimulation.
    • Training must cover administration of seizure medications and VNS, recognizing seizure signs, and appropriate response steps.

  • Alternative compliance (Section 99(c))

    • A full-time school nurse who oversees seizure medication administration and VNS can satisfy the training and administration requirements.

  • Broad training for school personnel (Section 99(d))

    • Principals, guidance counselors, teachers, bus drivers, classroom aides, and other directly supervising staff must receive seizure recognition and first-aid training.

  • Guideline alignment (Section 99(e))

    • Training should be consistent with Epilepsy Foundation guidelines; districts may use other adequate programs if aligned with these standards.

  • Medication authorization (Section 99(f))

    • Schools require written authorization from a parent/guardian and a health-care practitioner’s statement (including student name, medication purpose, dosage, route, frequency, circumstances) before administering any seizure medication.
    • The medication must be in its unopened, sealed pharmacy package.

  • Seizure action plan (Section 99(g)-(h))

    • Parents/guardians must collaborate with school personnel to create an individualized seizure action plan.
    • The plan is kept on file with the school nurse or administrator and shared with relevant staff.

  • Annual renewal (Section 99(i))

    • Written authorization remains valid for the school year and must be renewed annually with satisfying f-h requirements.

  • Scope (Section 99(j))

    • Provisions apply only to schools with a student who has a seizure disorder or uses a seizure rescue medication or prescribed VNS-related treatment.

  • Student education (Section 99(k))

    • Schools must provide an age-appropriate seizure education program consistent with Epilepsy Foundation guidelines.

  • Liability protection (Section 99(l))

    • Staff acting in good faith and substantially in line with a student’s health plan and professional instructions are protected from civil or criminal liability for actions taken under this section.

  • Designation and effective date (Sections 2-3)

    • Act may be cited as the Seizure-Safe Schools Act.
    • Takes effect one year after enactment.

Affected Parties

  • Public, private, and parochial K-12 schools in Massachusetts.
  • School committees and governing bodies.
  • School nurses, administrators, teachers, principals, guidance counselors, bus drivers, aides, and other staff in direct contact with students.
  • Students with seizure disorders, their parents/guardians, and treating health professionals.

Procedural/Timeline Notes

  • Insertion of new Section 99 into Chapter 71.
  • Requires annual renewal of medication authorizations.
  • Effective one year after enactment of the legislation.

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

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