September 22, 2024 - WASHINGTON – Last week, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), Co-Chair of the Epilepsy Caucus, introduced the Seizure Awareness and Preparedness Act, which would create a grant program to support students who have epilepsy or a seizure disorder. Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Don Bacon (NE-02), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL) introduced the legislation in the House, while Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the legislation in the Senate.

“This legislation is vital to creating a safer school environment for kids with epilepsy and seizure disorders. By providing grants for response training, we are ensuring that school staff are prepared to step into action. It’s about making sure every child has the support they need to thrive in school,” said Congressman Costa.

“We must equip our schools with the resources they need so school personnel can be trained and prepared in the event that someone has a seizure,” said Senator Booker. “Students with epilepsy deserve to go to school without fear, and I am proud to introduce legislation which builds on the progress of states like New Jersey so we can create safer environments for our children to thrive.” 

"I'm proud to introduce the Seizure Awareness and Preparedness Act to build on the progress we've made in New Jersey with Paul's Law and ensure school staff members across the nation are prepared if a student has a seizure in the classroom," said Congressman Norcross. "We know that about 470,000 children and teenagers live with epilepsy in the United States, and all our schools must know how to respond and keep them safe."

“This vital legislation will equip our schools with the essential training and resources to ensure that our students with epilepsy, both in PA-1 and across the nation, are surrounded by knowledgeable and prepared individuals ready to act. Safeguarding our children is our foremost responsibility, and the Seizure Awareness and Preparedness Act will create safer learning environments and offer families the reassurance they need,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick.

“A seizure is a life-or-death situation and requires individuals to act fast with very little margin of error,” said Congresswoman Norton. The Seizure Awareness and Preparedness Act will ensure that school faculty members are trained to assist if a student has a seizure in the classroom, and potentially save a life.”

BACKGROUND
Seizures are spontaneous surges in uncoordinated electrical activity in the brain that affect body movement or function, sensation, behavior, or awareness. It is estimated that 1 in 10 Americans will have at least one seizure in their lifetime. Epilepsy is a common neurological condition characterized by recurring seizures and is believed to develop in 1 out of 26 people in their lifetime. There are approximately 470,000 children and teenagers living with active epilepsy in the United States.

About half of the states in the country have passed similar legislation to mandate or encourage seizure recognition and first aid training of school personnel, as well as other provisions to help ensure students with epilepsy are safe and supported in the school environment.

The Seizure Awareness and Preparedness Act would continue this momentum by authorizing funding to help ensure all students nationwide are surrounded by trained and prepared individuals, including: 

• Training of school personnel to administer or assist with the administration of seizure medications.

• Training and education of students on seizure awareness and preparedness.

• Recruiting, hiring, and retaining compliance staff who are responsible for ensuring that all training and program requirements related to seizure awareness, preparedness, and management are consistently met.

To see the full list of endorsing organizations, click HERE. 

To read the full text of the bill, click HERE. 
Source: Congressman Jim Costa