S.B. No. 1551 aims to enhance the availability of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in public schools across Texas. The bill amends Section 38.017(a) of the Education Code to require each school district to ensure that at least one AED is available at every campus. The principal is tasked with determining the placement of the AED, which must be in a clearly marked and accessible location, particularly near where students engage in athletic activities. Additionally, the bill specifies that AEDs cannot be stored in locked cases when students or school employees are present on campus.

The legislation mandates that by the first instructional day of the 2026-2027 school year, all public schools must comply with the new requirements regarding AED availability. The bill is set to take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote in both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 38.017 (Education Code 38)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 38.017 (Education Code 38)