H116 - Student Safety in Athletics Summary

• Creates comprehensive student safety requirements for school athletic activities in grades 6-12, including sudden cardiac arrest awareness, heat-related illness prevention, and concussion safety protocols.

• Requires State Board of Education to develop educational materials and guidelines on sudden cardiac arrest and heat-related illness; mandates annual information sheets signed by parents and students before participation.

• Establishes mandatory heat stroke prevention protocols allowing removal of students showing heat exhaustion or heat stroke symptoms, with clearance required from licensed healthcare professionals before return to play.

• Requires all head coaches or athletic directors to maintain CPR certification and be present during athletic activities; mandates venue-specific emergency action plans reviewed by licensed athletic trainers.

• Creates state database maintained by Department of Public Instruction to track catastrophic illnesses, injuries, and concussions in school athletics, with access limited to school boards, athletic associations, and designated research centers.