Summary of Bill HR 4953
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.
Congressional Summary of HR 4953
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).