The proposed bill amends Arizona Revised Statutes by adding section 15-120.05, which mandates that from August 1, 2024, all public and private schools in Arizona serving grades six through twelve and sponsoring athletic teams or sports programs must provide an automated external defibrillator (AED) on each campus and at every school-sponsored athletic event. These AEDs must be accessible, properly signed, maintained according to manufacturer guidelines, and retrievable within three minutes. Additionally, all coaches are required to complete a state-approved course in CPR, first aid, and AED use.

The bill also requires these schools to develop a written cardiac emergency response plan in consultation with local emergency medical services, detailing procedures for responding to cardiac events, including the roles of school employees and the use of AEDs. Schools must distribute this plan to relevant staff, review and practice it annually, and the Department of Education is tasked with establishing rules for compliance. Schools may accept donations for AEDs and training purposes. The bill appropriates funds from the state general fund for the 2024-2025 fiscal year to the Department of Education to support schools with a high percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunches in purchasing and maintaining AEDs, CPR training kits, and providing the required coach training.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-120.05