The "Seizure Awareness and Preparedness Act" proposes to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 by authorizing a new grant program. This program aims to provide crucial support for students in schools who have epilepsy or other seizure disorders. The Secretary of Education would award competitive grants to states, which would then distribute subgrants to local educational agencies to implement these support programs. Local educational agencies receiving these subgrants would be required to use the funds to train school personnel on seizure awareness and preparedness , specifically covering individualized health care plans and individualized emergency health care plans for affected students. Permissive uses include training staff to administer seizure medications and educating students on seizure awareness. School nurses would coordinate care and ensure all staff, including those in after-school programs, receive training at least every two years, utilizing Department of Education-approved courses. Additionally, school bus drivers transporting students with epilepsy must receive specific information and training regarding the student's condition and emergency protocols. The bill recommends that individualized plans include detailed information such as physician orders, specific symptoms, and accommodations for school activities. It also provides good faith liability protection for school employees and authorizes an appropriation of $34,500,000 for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
The "Seizure Awareness and Preparedness Act" proposes to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 by authorizing a new grant program. This program aims to provide crucial support for students in schools who have epilepsy or other seizure disorders. The Secretary of Education would award competitive grants to states, which would then distribute subgrants to local educational agencies to implement these support programs. Local educational agencies receiving these subgrants would be required to use the funds to train school personnel on seizure awareness and preparedness , specifically covering individualized health care plans and individualized emergency health care plans for affected students. Permissive uses include training staff to administer seizure medications and educating students on seizure awareness. School nurses would coordinate care and ensure all staff, including those in after-school programs, receive training at least every two years, utilizing Department of Education-approved courses. Additionally, school bus drivers transporting students with epilepsy must receive specific information and training regarding the student's condition and emergency protocols. The bill recommends that individualized plans include detailed information such as physician orders, specific symptoms, and accommodations for school activities. It also provides good faith liability protection for school employees and authorizes an appropriation of $34,500,000 for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.