Assembly Bill 362 mandates that, starting in the 2026-27 school year, all school boards and charter school operators in Wisconsin must implement a cardiac emergency response plan (CERP) for cardiac emergencies occurring on school property and during school-sponsored athletic events. The bill defines a CERP as a written document outlining specific steps to reduce fatalities from cardiac arrest, which must include core elements such as a cardiac emergency response team, activation procedures, distribution of the plan, AED placement and maintenance, and annual drills and evaluations. For emergencies on school property, the plan must also ensure that designated school personnel are trained in first aid, CPR, and AED usage.

For athletic events, the CERP is required only for schools that operate high school grades and must include provisions for coaches and athletic trainers to respond to cardiac emergencies. The bill specifies that AEDs must be clearly marked and accessible at athletic venues, and all athletic coaches must be certified in CPR and AED use. Additionally, the bill allows the Office of School Safety in the Department of Justice to award grants to assist schools in implementing these plans, with grant amounts determined by the grade levels offered by the schools. Notably, compliance with AED placement requirements is contingent upon receiving these grants.