RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A House subcommittee recently advanced a bill that would require Virginia school boards to establish guidelines relating to the prevention of heat illness in student athletes. In a unanimous vote on Tuesday, Jan. 14, the bill was advanced and referred to the House Appropriations subcommittee. Introduced by Del. Michael Jones (D-Chesterfield), House Bill 1663 would require local school boards to develop policies and procedures designed to inform as well as educate student athletes, their parents and coaches about how heat illness develops and its risks. According to the bill's text, these guidelines would include information about what environmental conditions create the potential for heat illness as well as details for establishing "cooling zones" and "hydration guidelines." The guidelines would also feature practices formulated from evidence to actually treat heat illness specifically associated with athletic activities. Delegate brings back bill that would give Virginia farm workers minimum wage Additionally, each local school board would be required to create policies and procedures concerning the prevention and management of heat illness seen in student-athletes. School boards would need to develop training and resources about monitoring heat illness effectively and athletic activities would be monitored and modified as necessary. Sufficient hydration practices would also be a main priority. Cooling zones, as described by the bill, would exist as a way to "rapidly cool internal body temperature" if a student athlete were to show symptoms of exertional heat stroke. Lastly, the bill would require schools to have "an emergency action plan" that includes many of the interventions listed above, as well as transportation to medical centers if necessary. The next step for HB 1663 is to be reviewed by the Appropriations subcommittee. To read the bill in its entirety, click here.