This bill amends existing laws to enhance emergency action plans for sports-related injuries in schools, specifically for grades 4 through 12. It mandates that local school boards or governing bodies establish comprehensive emergency plans that include procedures for responding to serious injuries, a list of trained personnel, and the identification of necessary equipment, including automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Notably, the bill introduces new requirements for AED accessibility, ensuring that at least one AED is readily available at each athletic event or venue, and that personnel trained in CPR and AED use are present. The bill also emphasizes the importance of following evidence-based guidelines from recognized organizations for CPR training and emergency cardiovascular care.

Additionally, the bill establishes a dedicated AED fund within the state treasury to support schools in procuring AEDs and complying with the new emergency plan requirements. It appropriates $1 to the Division of Fire Standards and Training and Emergency Medical Services for this purpose and allows for the acceptance of donations to the fund. The bill prioritizes funding for Title I schools and those in high-need districts, ensuring that schools with a significant number of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals receive support. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and is expected to incur expenditures of $80,000 annually from the general fund for the fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to assist schools in implementing these requirements.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 200:40-c
As Amended by the House: 200:40-c
As Amended by the Senate: 200:40-c, 6:12
HB763 text: 200:40-c