House Bill No. 869 is designed to enhance the safety of youth athletes by implementing comprehensive measures to prevent and respond to cardiac arrest incidents during athletic activities. The bill requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction to develop resources and training for coaches on recognizing cardiac arrest symptoms and warning signs. Coaches will be mandated to undergo training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid, hold informational meetings for students and parents, and have the authority to remove any youth athlete exhibiting warning signs of cardiac arrest from participation. Athletes removed from play must receive clearance from a medical professional before returning to the field.

Additionally, the bill establishes a reimbursement grant program for the purchase of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs), which will be administered by the Office of Public Instruction. This program will reimburse school districts for the costs associated with acquiring and maintaining AEDs, providing $1 for every $1 spent by the district, up to a maximum of $700 per AED. The legislation clarifies that the purchase of AEDs is an allowable expenditure for school safety and security improvements. The bill includes amendments to sections 20-9-236 and 20-9-502 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) and is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, reflecting a commitment to improving the health and safety of youth athletes through education, training, and necessary medical equipment.

Statutes affected:
HB0869_1(1): 20-9-236, 20-9-502
HB0869_1(2): 20-9-236, 20-9-502
HB0869_1(3): 20-9-236, 20-9-502
HB0869_1: 20-9-236, 20-9-502
HB0869_2(1): 20-9-236, 20-9-502
HB0869_2(10): 20-9-236, 20-9-502
HB0869_2(11): 20-9-236, 20-9-502
HB0869_2(2): 20-9-236, 20-9-502
HB0869_2(3): 20-9-236, 20-9-502
HB0869_2(4): 20-9-236, 20-9-502
HB0869_2(5): 20-9-236, 20-9-502
HB0869_2(6): 20-9-236, 20-9-502
HB0869_2(7): 20-9-236, 20-9-502
HB0869_2(8): 20-9-236, 20-9-502
HB0869_2(9): 20-9-236, 20-9-502
HB0869_2: 20-9-236, 20-9-502
HB0869_X(1): 20-9-236, 20-9-502
HB0869_X(10): 20-9-236, 20-9-502
HB0869_X(11): 20-9-236, 20-9-502
HB0869_X(12): 20-9-236, 20-9-502
HB0869_X(13): 20-9-236, 20-9-502
HB0869_X(14): 20-9-236, 20-9-502
HB0869_X(15): 20-9-236, 20-9-502
HB0869_X(16): 20-9-236, 20-9-502
HB0869_X(2): 20-9-236, 20-9-502
HB0869_X(3): 20-9-236, 20-9-502
HB0869_X(4): 20-9-236, 20-9-502
HB0869_X(5): 20-9-236, 20-9-502
HB0869_X(6): 20-9-236, 20-9-502
HB0869_X(7): 20-9-236, 20-9-502
HB0869_X(8): 20-9-236, 20-9-502
HB0869_X(9): 20-9-236, 20-9-502
HB0869_X: 20-9-236, 20-9-502