SB 1248 was enacted following the death of 12-year-old Yahushua Robinson, who died of heat illness during a PE class in 2023. It was written into law in September of 2024 and went into effect January 1, 2025. The California Department of Education had to post standardized guidelines on extreme weather by January 1, 2026 and local educational agencies (LEAs) had until July 1, 2026 to implement written extreme weather protocols based on the state's guidance. In this article, we'll break down who must comply with SB 1248 and what an extreme weather protocol must include. In addition, we'll discuss what weather hazards are included and how schools can prepare for compliance.
California SB 1248 requires local educational agencies, including school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools, to adopt written extreme weather protocols based on California Department of Education guidance. These protocols address hazards such as extreme heat, air quality, excessive precipitation, and flooding while establishing procedures for monitoring conditions, communicating with staff, and protecting students during outdoor activities.
SB 1248 applies to local educational agencies (LEAs), including school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools. The law extends beyond athletics to a wide range of outdoor school activities, including PE classes, recess, lunch periods, field trips, after-school programs, and many school-sponsored outdoor events. Because these activities often occur without athletic trainers present, the law emphasizes procedures that teachers and other school staff can follow consistently. Interscholastic athletics administered by the CIF continue to follow CIF guidance.
Before this law was passed, many districts relied on local policies and recommendations. SB 1248 requires LEAs to adopt written protocols based on standardized CDE guidance. This law expands the focus beyond athletics to a broader range of outdoor school activities and emphasizes consistency, documentation, and annual reviews.
While every district's protocol may look different, the California Department of Education expects schools to address several common elements. This should include the following:
Establish weather thresholds
Create response procedures
Ensure a clear communication plan exists
While SB 1248 was enacted following a heat-related tragedy, the California Department of Education's standardized guidance also addresses air quality, excessive precipitation, and flooding as hazards schools should consider when developing their protocols.
Extreme heat is the deadliest weather phenomenon in the United States and children are especially vulnerable as their bodies do not regulate heat as efficiently as adults. Prolonged heat causes the heart to beat faster and redirects blood flow away from vital organs and toward the skin. Heat stroke and severe dehydration can cause organ failure and lead to death if not treated.
California is no stranger to wildfires and the smoke they produce. Wildfire smoke can create dangerous air quality levels that make it unsafe for outdoor activities. Many schools use the Air Quality Index (AQI) to determine when outdoor activities should be modified. As AQI levels increase, schools may need to modify or cancel outdoor activities. Lower AQI values may primarily affect sensitive groups, while higher levels can pose health risks to everyone.
Heavy rain can disrupt outdoor activities, leading to unsafe conditions, especially for athletes. This includes slippery athletic fields and reduced visibility. Flooding can impact campus access, school dismissal, and transportation options, including delays and even school cancellations.
While lightning is not specifically identified in the CDE's standardized hazard list, many districts include monitoring and sheltering procedures because thunderstorms can rapidly create unsafe conditions for outdoor activities.
Schools can take several practical steps to strengthen their extreme weather protocols and support ongoing compliance with SB 1248.
A thorough review of any current policies needs to occur to determine if changes must be made. Compare these policies to the CDE guidance and recommendations.
Evaluate whether the district has procedures in place for monitoring weather conditions, communicating decisions, documenting actions, and reviewing protocols annually. Identifying these gaps early makes implementation much easier.
Determine what staff is responsible for monitoring weather conditions. This should include having a backup in place for staffing changes like sickness or vacation.
Make sure that all teachers, staff, and even volunteers know about the procedures in place for weather monitoring. Ensure that documentation is easily accessible by everyone.
Each year before school starts, protocols must be reviewed to determine if everything is working as intended. This should include annual refresher training for returning staff and full training for new employees.
For a detailed breakdown of the law's requirements and implementation considerations, see our California SB 1248 compliance guide.
SB 1248 represents a significant shift in how California schools approach weather safety. Rather than responding to hazardous conditions on an ad hoc basis, districts are expected to develop consistent procedures, assign responsibilities, monitor conditions in real time, and document their decisions. Taking the time to build a comprehensive protocol now can help schools improve safety while supporting long-term compliance with state requirements.
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Yes. SB 1248 applies to California local educational agencies, including school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools.
No. While the law was inspired by a heat-related incident during PE, SB 1248 applies to a wide range of outdoor school activities, including recess, lunch periods, field trips, after-school programs, and other school-sponsored outdoor events. Interscholastic athletics administered by the CIF continue to follow CIF guidance.
The California Department of Education's standardized guidance addresses extreme heat, air quality, excessive precipitation, and flooding. Many districts also choose to include additional hazards, such as lightning, as part of a comprehensive weather safety protocol.