Legislation would set clear, timely requirements for school staff training
(TRENTON) – This National Epilepsy Awareness Month, Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez is highlighting her bill, A2255, which would amend current law to strengthen training requirements for caring for students with epilepsy and seizure disorders. Specifically, the legislation would modify Paul’s Law to help ensure that staff members at New Jersey schools are trained in the care of these students every five years.
“There’s no room for guesswork when a student has a seizure at school – every second counts,” said Assemblywoman Lopez (D-Middlesex). “This bill would ensure that all school staff are regularly trained to recognize and respond to seizures because in those critical moments, knowing what to do can save a life.”
Under Paul’s Law, which was signed into law in 2020, New Jersey took a major step forward by requiring school districts to coordinate care for students with epilepsy and seizure disorders, including the creation of seizure action plans and annual updates by school nurses. However, while the law mandates that school staff be trained, it does not currently set a timeline for how frequent training should take place.
Bill A2255 would address ambiguities in Paul’s Law by setting a clear and recurring timeline of every five years for school staff seizure care training. Staff working in after-school and school-sponsored programs are included as well, ensuring that everyone is equipped with up-to-date knowledge and protocols to respond to seizures safely and effectively.
Assemblyman William B. Sampson IV and Assemblywoman Linda Carter also sponsored the legislation.