The bill, known as the Senator Tim Melson Act, amends Section 16-40-8 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to require that each high school student receive instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) as part of their health education courses. The instruction in CPR and AED use is to be included by local boards of education operating public schools with grades nine through twelve. The bill specifies that beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, the use of an AED will be included in the curriculum. The State Board of Education is responsible for administering the CPR instruction program, training personnel, and ensuring that instructors are certified by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.

The bill also states that the instruction must include the psychomotor skills necessary to perform CPR and use an AED, emphasizing hands-on practice to support cognitive learning. However, it clarifies that students are not required to become certified in CPR or AED use. The State Board of Education is authorized to adopt rules to implement this section. The bill is set to become effective on October 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 16-40-8
Engrossed: 16-40-8
Enrolled: 16-40-8