California § 33355

§ 33355.

(a) (1) On or before January 1, 2026, the department, in consultation with relevant stakeholders and experts, shall compile, and post on the department’s internet website, standardized guidelines specifying temperature thresholds or index ratings that trigger modifications to pupil physical activities during extreme weather conditions. The standardized guidelines shall consider relevant factors, including, but not limited to, pupil ages, harmful duration of exposure to extreme weather conditions, overall pupil safety, and available mitigation measures. (2) The department, in consultation with relevant stakeholders and experts, may use existing resources or frameworks, or both, about temperature thresholds or index ratings that trigger modifications to pupil physical activities during extreme weather conditions to meet the requirements of paragraph (1), including, but not limited to, the State Department of Public Health’s Health Guidance for Schools on Sports and Strenuous Activities During Extreme Heat, the National Weather Service’s HeatRisk forecast tool, and the guidelines established by the California Interscholastic Federation pursuant to Section 35179.8. (b) (1) On or before July 1, 2026, each local educational agency shall develop, adopt, and implement weather protocols for extreme weather conditions. (2) The weather protocols shall incorporate the standardized guidelines compiled by the department pursuant to subdivision (a) and shall detail the specific measures to be taken during extreme weather conditions, including, but not limited to, all of the following: (A) Clear criteria for determining when weather conditions are considered extreme weather conditions and warrant modification or cessation of outdoor physical activities. (B) Procedures for monitoring weather forecasts and alerts to anticipate extreme weather conditions. (C) Protocols for communicating with staff, pupils, and parents or guardians regarding changes to outdoor activities due to extreme weather conditions. (D) Designation of indoor alternative activities that can be safely conducted during extreme weather conditions. (E) Training for staff members on recognizing signs of weather-related distress in pupils and appropriate response measures. (F) Coordination with relevant local agencies and experts to ensure timely access to weather-related information and resources. (3) The weather protocols shall be annually reviewed, evaluated, and, if necessary, updated to incorporate best practices and address any emerging concerns or challenges, and to reflect changes in weather patterns, advances in safety practices, and feedback from stakeholders. (c) Commencing January 1, 2026, the department shall provide technical assistance to local educational agencies in the implementation of their weather protocols. (d) Interscholastic athletic programs administered by the California Interscholastic Federation, including their associated practices and games, shall comply with the guidelines established pursuant to Section 35179.8. (e) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply: (1) “Extreme weather conditions” means occurrences of unusually severe weather conditions, including, but not limited to, periods of extreme heat, excessive precipitation, and floods, that may pose significant harm to pupils. (2) “Local educational agency” means a school district, county office of education, or charter school. (3) “Physical activity” means physical education classes, sports, and athletic practices and games sponsored by a local educational agency, except for those relating to an interscholastic athletic program administered by the California Interscholastic Federation. (f) The implementation of this section is subject to an appropriation being made for purposes of this section in the annual Budget Act or another statute.