The proposed bill, if enacted, would introduce new requirements for school districts and charter schools regarding cardiac emergency preparedness. Specifically, it mandates that by November 1, 2026, each school must submit a report to the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) detailing the number of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) available, the number of trained staff, and whether a cardiac emergency response plan has been adopted. Additionally, ADE is required to compile these reports and submit a summary to various legislative leaders and post the information on its website by December 1, 2026. This section of the bill will be repealed after December 31, 2027.

Furthermore, the bill appropriates $1,000,000 from the state General Fund for fiscal year 2026-2027 to support these initiatives. ADE may allocate up to $50,000 for implementing the reporting requirements, while the remaining funds must be distributed to public schools, with a priority for rural schools, for the purchase and maintenance of AEDs. The appropriation is exempt from lapsing provisions, ensuring that the funds remain available for their intended purpose.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-120.08