The bill mandates that all schools in New Mexico develop and implement a cardiac emergency response plan that includes the availability of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) during school athletic activities. Each school is required to identify personnel responsible for responding to sudden cardiac arrests, establish protocols for their actions, and determine appropriate locations for AEDs. Additionally, schools must ensure that these devices are maintained, tested according to manufacturer guidelines, and clearly marked for easy access during athletic events.

Furthermore, the bill sets specific deadlines for compliance, requiring public non-charter high schools to meet these requirements by the 2026-2027 school year, while elementary, middle, charter, and private schools must comply by the 2027-2028 school year. The Department of Education is tasked with creating rules for training school employees on the use of AEDs, aligning with standards from the American Heart Association. The definition of "school athletic activity" is also clarified to encompass organized sports and competitions.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 22-33-6
Final Version: 22-33-6