Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a bill, Yahushua’s Law, aimed at protecting California students during extreme heatwaves, inspired by the tragic death of 12-year-old Yahushua Robinson during a P.E. class in triple-digit temperatures. The legislation requires public schools to adopt uniform safety guidelines for physical activity in severe weather conditions. The bill was championed by Robinson’s family, who worked tirelessly to ensure that the tragedy was not repeated.
Yahushua collapsed and died in August 2023 at Canyon Lake Middle School, with heat and physical exertion as contributing factors. His mother, a P.E. teacher in the same district, believed that the incident was preventable and advocated for better safety measures in schools. The new law, set to take effect in July 2026, will prevent future tragedies by mandating standard guidelines to protect students during heatwaves and other dangerous weather conditions.
Sen. Melissa Hurtado, who introduced the bill, emphasized the importance of taking proactive steps to ensure student safety during extreme weather events. She commended the Robinson family for their advocacy and emotional strength in pushing for legislative action to protect other students from similar incidents. Yahushua’s Law serves as a tribute to Yahushua Robinson and a commitment to prioritizing child safety in California schools.
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