Epilepsy Foundation of America and Epilepsy Foundation Iowa announced today that Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed House File 835 into law on May 27, 2025, bringing Seizure Safe Schools legislation to more than half the states in the nation. The bill safeguards physician-directed care in a school setting and helps school personnel manage students living with epilepsy or a seizure disorder. There are 456,000 children living with epilepsy in the U.S., including 4,400 children and teens in Iowa. For students with epilepsy, it is important that schools are well-equipped with the tools necessary to provide a safe and supportive learning environment.
“After 7 years of advocacy, we are thrilled to see Iowa’s Seizure Safe Schools legislation signed into law,” said Roxanne Cogil, executive director of the Epilepsy Foundation Iowa. “This legislation will help educate and raise awareness about epilepsy and seizures in schools. I know that this law will provide peace of mind for thousands of families across the state.”
House File 835 will require all school personnel to undergo approved seizure recognition and first aid training on a biennial basis. This includes principals, guidance counselors, teachers, and other relevant employees who have direct contact with and supervise children, including school bus drivers and para-educators. Schools will also be required to have a seizure action plan on file for each student with epilepsy. Additionally, the legislation requires each school to have at least one school employee who has met the training requirements necessary to administer or assist with the self-administration of anti-seizure medication, including rescue therapies, or use of a vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) magnet. The bill will establish an optional age-appropriate seizure education program available to schools. Lastly, the bill has a Good Samaritan Clause for those who act in good faith per the bill’s provisions.
The bill was championed by State Representatives Ray Sorensen (District 23), Dr. Steven Bradley (District 66), and Skyler Wheeler (District 4), House Education Committee Chair, as well as State Senators Dawn Driscoll (District 46) and Lynn Evans (District 3). In addition, former State Senator, now Lieutenant Governor, Chris Cournoyer sponsored the legislation in the first few years the bill was introduced.
“As a dad to a daughter who had a seizure at just two and a half years old, this bill hits home for me,” said State Representative Ray Sorensen. “I’m honored to have sponsored legislation that will help make our schools safer for students living with epilepsy—and for any child who might experience a seizure for the first time at school. Seizures are one of the most common medical emergencies in schools, and ensuring that staff are trained to recognize and respond appropriately could be the difference between life and death. This is about equipping those who care for our kids with the tools they need to act fast and save lives.”
The Epilepsy Foundation of America and Epilepsy Foundation Iowa commend all the advocates, families, and legislators who helped get the bill across the finish line.
“I did this not only for my nephew, who lives with epilepsy, but also for all children and families in Iowa,” said State Senator Dawn Driscoll. “There is still a lot of misunderstanding about epilepsy, and this can lead to apprehension. This legislation will help to set a standard of care across all schools so that families can feel safe sending their children to school.”
In addition to incredible advocates and families, the Epilepsy Foundation Iowa is grateful to have closely partnered with Dentons Davis Brown to help get the bill to the Governor’s desk.
The Epilepsy Foundation of America continues to work with its network of local offices, grassroots advocates, and organizational partners to pass this bill in the remaining states. To learn more about each state’s legislative efforts, contact [email protected]. For information about free seizure first aid trainings, visit epilepsy.com/FirstAid.
