Student-Athlete Heat Safety Bill Wins Support

Student-Athlete Heat Safety Bill Is Heading to Governor’s Desk

SACRAMENTO — AB 2503, the student athlete Heat Safety Bill passed the Senate with unanimous bipartisan support and is heading to the Governor’s desk, Assemblymember Greg Wallis, R-Bermuda Dunes, announced.

AB 2503 requires the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) to annually review its heat illness prevention guidelines to better account for the unique conditions faced by student-athletes in desert communities like the Coachella Valley and other inland regions.

This legislation was developed in direct response to conversations with community members who shared concerns about the challenges of scheduling practices and competitions during periods of extreme heat.

“This is a big win for our student-athletes and their families, who deserve common-sense protections that reflect the realities of competing in our desert climate,” Wallis. said “Thank you to the athletic directors, coaches, and parents who advocated tirelessly for our student-athletes and helped get AB 2503 to the Governor’s desk.”

Extreme heat in desert communities often pushes practices into the late evening, creating transportation challenges and making it harder for student-athletes to keep up with school. By requiring regular reviews of CIF’s heat illness prevention guidelines, we’re helping schools better account for the realities of competing in our desert climate.

AB 2503 is awaiting the Governor’s decision.