Bills · HR 4517
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 4517Education
Jordan McNair Student Athlete Heat Fatality Prevention Act
INTRO JUL 17· LAST ACTION JUL 17
READING
8MIN
COSPONSORS
7
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because heat-related illnesses are a serious, often preventable, risk for student athletes, especially as temperatures rise. The tragic death of Jordan McNair highlighted critical gaps in emergency response and treatment protocols at the collegiate level. If this bill becomes law, it could significantly reduce the risk of injury and death by requiring colleges to have clear, practiced, and venue-specific plans for heat emergencies.
Without this bill, colleges may continue to have varied, or even inadequate, responses to heat-related illnesses, potentially putting student athletes' lives at risk. By standardizing and requiring proactive measures like accessible cooling equipment, posted plans, and mandatory practice drills, the bill aims to ensure that athletes receive timely and appropriate care, making college sports safer for everyone involved.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires colleges to develop and implement a 'venue-specific heat-related illnesses emergency action plan' for their athletic programs.
This ensures that each athletic location has a tailored plan for emergencies, rather than a generic one.
PROVISION 02
Mandates that these plans include a strategy for operating and using automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) and cold water immersion equipment.
These are critical tools for immediate, life-saving treatment of severe heatstroke and cardiac arrest.
PROVISION 03
Requires plans to be visibly posted in athletic facilities, made available on the institution's website, and distributed to local emergency responders.
This increases awareness and accessibility of critical information for both athletic staff, athletes, and external emergency services.
PROVISION 04
Stipulates that the emergency action plan must be practiced in-person annually by student athletes, certified athletic trainers, team physicians, coaches, and other relevant staff.
Regular practice ensures that all personnel know their roles and can execute the plan effectively during a real emergency.
PROVISION 05
Requires institutions to submit an annual report demonstrating compliance with these requirements.
This provides oversight and accountability, ensuring colleges are actually following the mandates.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 7
D· Maryland
YRS IN OFFICE
39
BILLS LED
16
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 7 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJUL 17
Introduced in House
JUL 17
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 4517
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJul 17, 2025
Last actionJul 17, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JUL 17, 2025
House BillHR 4517Education
Jordan McNair Student Athlete Heat Fatality Prevention Act
INTRODUCED JUL 17, 2025· LAST ACTION JUL 17, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
8 min
COSPONSORS
7
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
