Jordan McNair Student Athlete Heat Fatality Prevention Act
The Jordan McNair Student Athlete Heat Fatality Prevention Act would require institutions of higher education that participate in federal programs and belong to athletic associations to develop and implement venue-specific heat-related illness emergency action plans. These plans must address rapid recognition and treatment of heat illness, include equipment like automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) and cold water immersion capabilities, be posted and accessible to students and staff, and be practiced and trained on a regular basis. The bill also extends similar requirements to secondary schools receiving federal funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and directs the Department of Education to promote federal grants related to heat illness prevention, training, and equipment. The measures are framed in the context of preventing heat fatalities in student athletes, drawing on the Jordan McNair case as a catalyst. Key provisions emphasize consultation with local emergency responders, annual reporting to the Secretary of Education and relevant committees, posting in visible locations on campuses, and ensuring extensive in-person training for a broad group of school personnel and stakeholders. The plan requirements expressly include consideration of environmental heat stress guidelines (WBGT), timely AED accessibility (within 3 minutes), and the locations of AEDs. The act creates parallel requirements for secondary schools and provides a mechanism to inform schools about federal grant funds to aid prevention efforts.
Key Points
- 1Venue-specific heat illness emergency action plans required for higher education institutions participating in programs under the title and belonging to an athletic association or conference; plans must address operation and use of AEDs and cold-water immersion equipment.
- 2Plans due within 1 year of enactment; annual compliance reports to the Secretary of Education and authorizing committees, detailing adherence to the requirements from the preceding year.
- 3Plan content requirements: symptom identification and coordination of care for heat illness; visible posting in locker rooms, athletic training facilities, weight rooms, and outdoor venues; online availability; distribution to local emergency responders; and in-person training prior to each academic year for athletes, trainers, physicians, administrators, coaches, safety staff, and designated legal counsel.
- 4Recommendations and facilitation: consider WBGT guidelines for heat stress prevention, ensure AEDs are readily accessible within 3 minutes of each venue, and include AED locations in the plan; allow adjustments for facilities undergoing major alterations.
- 5Secondary schools: adds a parallel requirement under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act for venue-specific heat illness emergency action plans as a condition of receiving federal funds; similar timelines, posting, training, and reporting requirements, with an expanded list of trained individuals (including “any other individuals determined to be relevant”).
- 6Grants promotion: Secretary of Education to inform schools and educational agencies about federal funds available to prevent heat illnesses, train personnel, and acquire treatment equipment.