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HB 1197

TO PROHIBIT SCHEDULING, HOSTING, OR REQUIRING AN OUTDOOR PRACTICE, SCRIMMAGE, GAME, OR ACTIVITY FOR AN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY DURING THE HOURS WHEN AN EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING HAS BEEN DECLARED.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Stephen Meeks

House Bill 1197 aimed to protect students by banning outdoor extracurricular activities during excessive heat warnings, ensuring their safety from heat-related health risks.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1197

Summary of House Bill 1197

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HB 1197
  • Title: To Prohibit Scheduling, Hosting, or Requiring an Outdoor Practice, Scrimmage, Game, or Activity for an Extracurricular Activity During the Hours When an Excessive Heat Warning Has Been Declared.
  • Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
  • Introduced: January 22, 2025
  • Sponsor: Representative S. Meeks

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1197 was introduced to enhance the safety of students participating in extracurricular activities by prohibiting outdoor practices, scrimmages, games, or other activities during periods when an excessive heat warning is issued by the National Weather Service. The bill aims to protect students from the health risks associated with extreme heat conditions.

Key Provisions

  • Definition of Extracurricular Activity: The bill defines "extracurricular activity" to include intraschool and interschool activities that are not part of the regular curriculum, such as athletic events, fine arts programs, and special interest clubs.

  • Prohibition of Outdoor Activities:

    • Public schools are prohibited from scheduling, hosting, or requiring outdoor practices, scrimmages, games, or activities during the hours when an excessive heat warning is declared.
    • This prohibition does not apply to activities conducted in water or within climate-controlled indoor facilities.

Affected Parties

  • Public Schools: The bill directly impacts public schools in Arkansas, mandating compliance with the new regulations regarding outdoor extracurricular activities.
  • Students: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are students engaged in extracurricular activities, who would be protected from the dangers of excessive heat during outdoor events.

Fiscal Impact

According to the fiscal impact statement prepared by the Arkansas Department of Education, there is no fiscal impact associated with the implementation of this bill.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 22, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time; rules suspended for a second reading and referred to the House Education Committee.
  • May 5, 2025: The bill died in the House Committee at Sine Die adjournment, meaning it did not advance for further consideration.

Conclusion

While HB 1197 aimed to address a significant health concern for students participating in outdoor extracurricular activities, it ultimately did not progress through the legislative process. The bill's intent to safeguard students from excessive heat remains a relevant topic for future legislative discussions.

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

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