Preventing HEAT Illness and Deaths Act of 2023

3/8/2024, 5:30 PM

Preventing Health Emergencies And Temperature-related Illness and Deaths Act of 2023 or the Preventing HEAT Illness and Deaths Act of 2023

This bill establishes several programs to address the adverse health effects of extreme heat.

For example, the bill establishes an interagency committee in the White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy to address the health risks of extreme heat through coordinated research, strategic partnerships, and workforce development. It also requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to (1) establish a heat health information system to improve forecasts of extreme heat, and (2) contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to study policy, data, and research gaps relating to extreme heat. 

NOAA may also, in coordination with the interagency committee, award financial assistance to nonprofits, academic institutions, and state, local, and tribal governments to support the ability of communities to mitigate the health effects of extreme heat (e.g., building modifications and educational campaigns).

Bill 118 HR 4953, also known as the Preventing HEAT Illness and Deaths Act of 2023, aims to address the issue of heat-related illnesses and deaths in the United States. The bill recognizes that extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change, and that vulnerable populations, such as outdoor workers, athletes, and the elderly, are at increased risk of heat-related illnesses.

The bill proposes several measures to prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths, including the establishment of a national heat illness prevention program. This program would provide resources and guidance to states, local governments, and employers on how to protect individuals from extreme heat. It would also fund research on the health impacts of heat exposure and develop best practices for preventing heat-related illnesses.

Additionally, the bill calls for the creation of a national heat illness registry to track heat-related illnesses and deaths across the country. This registry would help identify trends and patterns in heat-related illnesses, allowing for targeted interventions and prevention efforts. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to improve heat safety standards for outdoor workers, such as requiring employers to provide access to shade, water, and rest breaks during hot weather. It also calls for the development of heat stress training programs for workers and first responders. Overall, the Preventing HEAT Illness and Deaths Act of 2023 seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of extreme heat and implement measures to protect vulnerable populations from heat-related illnesses and deaths. By addressing this growing public health issue, the bill aims to save lives and improve the health and well-being of all Americans.
Congress
118
Number
HR - 4953
Introduced on
2023-07-27
# Amendments
0
Sponsors
+5
Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

7/27/2023
Text
PDF
XML

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Preventing Health Emergencies And Temperature-related Illness and Deaths Act of 2023 or the Preventing HEAT Illness and Deaths Act of 2023

This bill establishes several programs to address the adverse health effects of extreme heat.

For example, the bill establishes an interagency committee in the White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy to address the health risks of extreme heat through coordinated research, strategic partnerships, and workforce development. It also requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to (1) establish a heat health information system to improve forecasts of extreme heat, and (2) contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to study policy, data, and research gaps relating to extreme heat. 

NOAA may also, in coordination with the interagency committee, award financial assistance to nonprofits, academic institutions, and state, local, and tribal governments to support the ability of communities to mitigate the health effects of extreme heat (e.g., building modifications and educational campaigns).

Bill 118 HR 4953, also known as the Preventing HEAT Illness and Deaths Act of 2023, aims to address the issue of heat-related illnesses and deaths in the United States. The bill recognizes that extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change, and that vulnerable populations, such as outdoor workers, athletes, and the elderly, are at increased risk of heat-related illnesses.

The bill proposes several measures to prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths, including the establishment of a national heat illness prevention program. This program would provide resources and guidance to states, local governments, and employers on how to protect individuals from extreme heat. It would also fund research on the health impacts of heat exposure and develop best practices for preventing heat-related illnesses.

Additionally, the bill calls for the creation of a national heat illness registry to track heat-related illnesses and deaths across the country. This registry would help identify trends and patterns in heat-related illnesses, allowing for targeted interventions and prevention efforts. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to improve heat safety standards for outdoor workers, such as requiring employers to provide access to shade, water, and rest breaks during hot weather. It also calls for the development of heat stress training programs for workers and first responders. Overall, the Preventing HEAT Illness and Deaths Act of 2023 seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of extreme heat and implement measures to protect vulnerable populations from heat-related illnesses and deaths. By addressing this growing public health issue, the bill aims to save lives and improve the health and well-being of all Americans.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo reduce the health risks of heat by establishing the National Integrated Heat Health Information System within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Integrated Heat Health Information System Interagency Committee to improve extreme heat preparedness, planning, and response, requiring a study, and establishing financial assistance programs to address heat effects, and for other purposes.
Policy Areas
Health
Potential Impact
Aging•
Air quality•
Atmospheric science and weather•
Building construction•
Cardiovascular and respiratory health•
Climate change and greenhouse gases•
Congressional oversight•
Correctional facilities and imprisonment•
Educational facilities and institutions•
Elementary and secondary education•
Emergency medical services and trauma care•
Energy efficiency and conservation•
Energy prices•
Environmental health•
Executive Office of the President•
Executive agency funding and structure•
Foreign language and bilingual programs•
Forests, forestry, trees•
Government information and archives•
Government studies and investigations•
Health information and medical records•
Health programs administration and funding•
Health promotion and preventive care•
Infectious and parasitic diseases•
Lighting, heating, cooling•
Medical research•
Minority health•
Poverty and welfare assistance•
Public utilities and utility rates•
Urban and suburban affairs and development•
Worker safety and health

Comments

Related

Member:  Kevin Mullin
Member:  Eleanor Holmes Norton
Committee:  Energy and Commerce
Committee:  Science, Space, and Technology
Bill Update Alert:  Preventing HEAT Illness and Deaths Act of 2023

Recent Activity

Latest Summary11/7/2024

Preventing Health Emergencies And Temperature-related Illness and Deaths Act of 2023 or the Preventing HEAT Illness and Deaths Act of 2023

This bill establishes several programs to address the adverse health effects of extre...

Latest Action7/28/2023
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.