Bill > HB1197

This bill adds a new section to Arkansas state law that prohibits public schools from scheduling, hosting, or requiring outdoor extracurricular activities during hours when the National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning. The term "extracurricular activity" is broadly defined to include any intraschool or interschool activities outside the regular curriculum, such as athletic programs, fine arts programs, and special interest clubs. The bill provides two specific exceptions to this prohibition: activities that take place in water or in a climate-controlled indoor facility are still permitted during an excessive heat warning. The intent of the legislation appears to be protecting students from potential heat-related health risks by preventing outdoor activities during extremely high-temperature conditions. This measure applies to all public schools in Arkansas and covers activities governed by the Arkansas Activities Association, ensuring a standardized approach to protecting student participants during severe heat events.

Education

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1197&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R