Downloads
CS/HB 7011 — Student Athletes
by Education Committee; PreK-12 Innovation Subcommittee; and Rep. Massullo and others (CS/CS/SB 1696 by Rules Committee; Education Committee; and Senators Perry and Cruz)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Education Committee (ED)
Automated External Defibrillators
The bill is cited as the “Zachary Martin Act” and requires each public school that is a member of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) to make its automated external defibrillator (AED) available on school grounds in a clearly marked, publicized location for each athletic contest, practice, workout, or conditioning session, including those outside of the school year.
Training for School Employees or Volunteers
The bill requires, beginning June 1, 2021, a school employee or volunteer with current training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and AED use to be present at each athletic event during and outside of the school year. Each employee or volunteer expected to use an AED must complete this training and be annually notified in writing of each AED’s location.
Heat Stress Monitoring, Hydration, and Cooling Zones
The bill specifies that the FHSAA must:
- Make training and resources available to each member school for the effective monitoring of heat stress;
- Require member schools to monitor heat stress and modify athletic activities based on heat stress guidelines, including making cooling zones available;
- Establish hydration guidelines, including appropriate introduction of electrolytes; and
- Require each school’s emergency action plan to include a procedure for onsite cooling using cold-water immersion or equivalent means before transporting a student for exertional heat stroke.
The bill specifies that each athletic coach and sponsor of extracurricular activities involving outdoor practices or events must annually complete training in exertional heat illness identification, prevention, and response, including effective administration of cooling zones.
Medical Evaluation
The bill requires all students participating in conditioning and activities that occur outside of the school year to pass a medical evaluation prior to participation in such activities each year.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2020.
Vote: Senate 40-0; House 114-0