Seizure Awareness and Preparedness Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2151
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-14: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-13T15:07:45Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The "Seizure Awareness and Preparedness Act" (H.R. 2151) aims to improve support for students with epilepsy or seizure disorders in public schools by authorizing federal grants. It focuses on training school staff, creating personalized health plans, and ensuring safe school environments to help these students participate fully in education without unnecessary barriers.
Key Provisions
- Grant Structure: The U.S. Department of Education (Secretary) awards competitive grants to states, which then provide subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs, such as school districts). These funds support programs in elementary and secondary schools.
- Core Activities: LEAs must use subgrant funds to train school personnel on recognizing seizures, providing care, and implementing:
- Individualized health care plans: Documents outlining daily health services needed at school, developed with input from the student's doctor, parents, and school nurse.
- Individualized emergency health care plans: Guides for responding to seizure emergencies, also created collaboratively and signed by key parties.
- Recommended Plan Content: Plans should include details like seizure symptoms, care instructions, exercise guidelines, accommodations for activities, staff education needs, communication protocols, and how the condition affects learning.
- Training Requirements:
- School nurses coordinate care and ensure all staff (including those in after-school programs) receive training at least every two years.
- Training uses approved online or in-person courses from nonprofit organizations focused on epilepsy support.
- School bus drivers transporting affected students get specific notices, care instructions, emergency contacts, and first-aid training.
- Additional Allowed Uses: Funds can optionally cover training staff to help administer seizure medications, educating students on seizure awareness, hiring dedicated staff to oversee compliance, or other approved activities.
- Privacy and Liability: Schools must obtain parental releases to share medical information between doctors and school staff. School employees (including nurses and bus drivers) are protected from liability for good-faith actions or omissions under the program, except in cases of willful misconduct, gross negligence, or recklessness.
- Funding Rules: Grants must supplement (add to) existing federal or state funds, not replace them. The bill authorizes $34.5 million for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) by adding a new Part G to Title IV, creating the first dedicated federal grant program for epilepsy and seizure disorder support in schools. Previously, ESEA focused on broader education goals like safe and drug-free schools, but it did not specifically address seizure-related training or plans. This introduces new definitions, requirements, and funding mechanisms tailored to these conditions.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of Education gains responsibility for administering grants and approving training courses, potentially increasing administrative workload but also enabling better coordination with nonprofits. States and LEAs will need to develop application processes and track program compliance.
- Citizens: Students with epilepsy or seizure disorders (affecting about 1 in 26 Americans) could benefit from safer schools, reduced stigma, and fewer disruptions to learning or activities. Parents gain structured ways to ensure their child's needs are met. School staff may face mandatory training but receive liability protections.
- International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill is focused on domestic education policy.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Students with Epilepsy or Seizure Disorders: Primary beneficiaries through improved care and inclusion.
- Parents and Families: Involved in plan development and information sharing.
- School Personnel: Teachers, nurses, bus drivers, and aides who receive training and protections.
- Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) and States: Responsible for implementing programs and applying for funds.
- Nonprofit Organizations: Provide approved training courses and may partner on education efforts.
- U.S. Department of Education: Oversees grant awards and program guidelines.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Introduces liability shields for school staff acting in good faith, which could reduce lawsuits related to seizure care while encouraging participation. It aligns with existing laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which requires accommodations for health-related disabilities, by specifying how to implement them.
- Constitutional: Supports equal protection and access to education under the 14th Amendment by addressing barriers for students with disabilities, promoting inclusive public schooling without mandating unfunded requirements (due to the supplement-not-supplant rule).
- Political: Represents a bipartisan effort (introduced by representatives from both parties) to prioritize health equity in education, potentially setting a precedent for targeted grants on other chronic conditions. It emphasizes collaboration between education, health, and community sectors without imposing broad mandates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1]
Cosponsors (6)
Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Bynum, Janelle S. [D-OR-5], Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-14: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2025-03-14: Introduced in House
- 2025-03-14: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Seizure Awareness and Preparedness Act — issued 2025-03-14 — PDF (9 pages)