Oklahoma Senate Bill SB700

Oklahoma 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/25
• Refer: 2/4/25

Caption

School athletics; directing the State Department of Education and the State Department of Health to develop certain guidelines regarding exertional heat-related illness. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

The bill requires school districts to implement specific measures to monitor environmental heat stress, including utilizing the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) to assess conditions at athletic practice sites. Regular WBGT readings will be required, and the guidelines will stipulate conditions under which practices may be limited or canceled. Moreover, school districts will be directed to create venue-specific emergency action plans to effectively handle incidents related to heat-related illnesses, thereby enhancing the safety protocols currently in place for student athletes.

Summary

Senate Bill 700 (SB700) aims to address the pressing issue of exertional heat-related illnesses among students participating in athletics. It establishes a framework for the development of comprehensive guidelines regarding prevention and management of such illnesses, specifically within secondary school athletics. The bill mandates that the State Department of Education and State Department of Health collaborate to develop these guidelines, which will include safety standards and policies that protect students from heat-related health risks during physical activities.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the bill's implementation, particularly around the logistics of monitoring and managing heat stress during athletic activities. Some stakeholders might argue that the requirements for consistent monitoring could impose additional burdens on school districts, especially those with limited resources. Additionally, the necessity for training staff and athletes on recognizing signs of heat stress and following emergency procedures could raise concerns about the adequacy of funding and training necessary to comply with the new regulations.