New Jersey Assembly Bill A2255

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24
• Report Pass: 6/16/25

Caption

Requires boards of education to ensure that all staff are trained in care of students with epilepsy and seizure disorders every five years.

Impact

The bill mandates that schools develop and maintain individualized health care plans and emergency plans for students diagnosed with epilepsy or seizure disorders. Parents or guardians must submit a seizure action plan annually, allowing school nurses to tailor care to the specific needs of each student. This increase in training frequency is expected to improve the responsiveness of school staff during medical emergencies related to epilepsy, potentially reducing the risks associated with untrained personnel managing such incidents.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2255 aims to enhance the safety and care of students with epilepsy and seizure disorders in New Jersey's public schools. The legislation requires that all staff employed by a board of education receive training in the care of students with these conditions every two years. This amendment to existing legislation, known as 'Paul's Law,' P.L.2019, c.290, emphasizes the importance of well-trained personnel capable of addressing the unique needs of students with epilepsy and seizure disorders, thereby fostering a supportive educational environment.

Contention

While there is general support for enhancing the care of students with epilepsy, some may raise concerns regarding the feasibility of implementing such training requirements consistently across all educational institutions. Furthermore, the financial implications of training programs and resources needed to ensure compliance may prompt debate among stakeholders. The necessity of such regular training could also be contested in terms of resource allocation, especially in underfunded school districts.