Bill H.139 proposes the establishment of a working group by the Agency of Education to assess the necessity and resources for mandating the presence of licensed athletic trainers at all secondary school athletic events and practices in Vermont. The bill highlights several findings, including the lack of medical personnel available during athletic activities, particularly in rural areas where emergency services may be distant and cell phone coverage is limited. It emphasizes the importance of athletic trainers in managing injuries, providing first aid, and offering accessible medical care to students who may not have other healthcare options.

The working group will consist of various educational and athletic representatives, including the Secretary of Education and members from different educational associations. They are tasked with exploring how athletic trainers can be shared between districts in a cost-effective manner and will report their findings and recommendations to the House and Senate Committees on Education by December 1, 2025. The bill also stipulates that the working group will be supported by the Agency of Education and will be compensated for their meetings, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2025.