Local News

Governor Signs Seizure Smart Act

Mon, 09 Sep 2019 10:35:59 CDT

Gov. J.B Pritzker recently signed a bill into law that will require a plan of action for students in Illinois who live with epilepsy.

The Seizure Smart Act, which was sponsored by State Rep. Avery Bourne, requires a parent or guardian of a student with epilepsy to submit a seizure action plan with the student's school so that they can properly respond to any incidents. A delegated care aide shall perform the activities and tasks necessary to assist a student in accordance with the seizure action plan.

In addition, all school employees will receive training in the basics of seizure recognition and first aid. School employees won't be liable for civil or other damages as a result of conduct, other than willful or wanton misconduct, related to the care of a student with epilepsy.

Under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Act, public schools are not allowed to place children with disabilities, including epilepsy, in a special education classroom setting away from all other students, just because the student requires special services. The Seizure Smart Act goes a step further and also forbids a school district from denying a student access to the school or any school-related activity on the basis that the student has epilepsy.

The law goes into effect on July 1, 2020.