This bill establishes a competitive grant program within the Iowa Department of Education aimed at developing and implementing school health-related emergency response plans, specifically focusing on cardiac emergencies. It introduces new requirements for schools to comply with the development of a cardiac emergency response plan, which includes establishing a cardiac emergency response team, placing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on school property, and ensuring ongoing training for staff in first aid and CPR. The bill defines key terms such as "athletic emergency action plan," "automated external defibrillator," and "cardiac emergency response plan," and outlines the necessary components that these plans must include to effectively respond to cardiac emergencies.

Additionally, the bill mandates that if funds are appropriated, the Department of Education will administer the grant program to help schools cover the costs associated with these emergency plans. The state board of education is tasked with adopting rules for the program, including grant application materials and eligibility criteria. The funds awarded are intended to supplement existing public funding for similar purposes, and the bill will take effect for school years beginning on or after July 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256E.7, 280.16B