The proposed bill amends Chapter 16-21 of the General Laws, titled "Health and Safety of Pupils," by introducing a new section, 16-21-43, which mandates that at least eighty percent of teachers in each school district be trained in the Basic Emergency and Response Skills (BEARS) curriculum. This training includes essential skills such as hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the Heimlich maneuver, and bleeding control, and must be completed within the last three years. The implementation of this training will occur over a three-year period, with one-third of teachers required to complete the training each year until the target percentage is met by the school years 2025-2026, 2026-2027, and 2027-2028. Additionally, the bill stipulates that time spent on this training will count towards professional development requirements.

Furthermore, the bill provides legal immunity for teachers and school personnel who render emergency care on school grounds, protecting them from civil liability for injuries resulting from their actions, except in cases of gross negligence. It also clarifies that no teacher or school personnel is obligated to provide emergency first aid. Each school district is required to allocate funding for the training of faculty members, with the rate determined in the state budget. The act will take effect upon passage.