|
|
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session |
Senate: ATT DPA 9-1-0-0 | Third Read 22-6-2-0 |
SB 1131: NOW: public schools; automated defibrillators; appropriation
Sponsor: Senator Gowan, LD 19
Committee on Education
Overview
As session law, establishes a reporting requirement for school districts, charter schools and the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) relating to automated external defibrillators (AEDs), employee training and cardiac emergency response policies. Repeals the reporting requirement on January 1, 2028. Appropriates $1,000,000 from the state General Fund (GF) in FY 2027 to ADE to distribute to public schools to purchase and maintain AEDs.
History
Laws 2025, Chapter 242 requires, as session law, each public high school that sponsors an athletic team or sports program to provide an AED at each school campus. This requirement is repealed on August 1, 2026.
Beginning August 1, 2026, each public high school that sponsors an athletic team or sports program must provide an AED at each school campus and school-sponsored athletic event and ensure that each AED provided is: 1) in an unlocked location that is clearly marked and easily accessible during the school day and at each school sponsored athletic event; 2) in a location that complies with guidelines established by a nationally recognized organization focused on emergency cardiovascular care and from which it may be promptly retrieved and used at the school or school-sponsored athletic event; and 3) maintained in working order and tested according to manufacturer's guidelines. A school district or charter school may accept gifts, grants and donations to provide AEDs (A.R.S. § 15-120.07).
The FY 2026 General Appropriations Act appropriated $500,000 from the state GF in FY 2026 to ADE for one-time funding for AED grants. ADE must distribute grants to public high schools that sponsor an athletic team or sports program to purchase or maintain AEDs. ADE must prioritize grants for schools in which 50% or more of students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches (FY 2026 Appropriations Report).
Provisions
Cardiac Emergency Response Reporting Requirement
1. Requires, by November 1, 2026, each school district and charter school to submit a report to ADE that includes:
a. the number of AEDs the school district or charter school has at each school campus;
b. the number of employees at each school campus who are trained in providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid and in the use of AEDs; and
c. a statement indicating whether the school district or charter school has adopted a plan that:
i. outlines the policies and procedures for school personnel who might respond if an individual experiences sudden cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening emergency; and
ii. is consistent with guidelines prescribed by a nationally recognized organization focused on emergency cardiovascular care. (Sec. 1)
2. Directs ADE, by December 1, 2026, to compile the reports received from school districts and charter schools and:
a. submit a summary and the compiled reports to specified individuals; and
b. post the summary and compiled reports on its website. (Sec. 1)
3. Repeals the reporting requirement on January 1, 2028. (Sec. 1)
4. Defines AED. (Sec.1)
AED Appropriation
5. Appropriates $1,000,000 from the state GF in FY 2027 to ADE. (Sec. 2)
6. Exempts the appropriation from lapsing. (Sec. 2)
7. Stipulates ADE may not use more than $50,000 of the appropriated monies to implement the reporting requirement. (Sec. 2)
8. Instructs ADE to:
a. distribute remaining appropriated monies to public schools that instruct students in kindergarten programs and the 1st-12th grades; and
b. prioritize distributions to rural public schools. (Sec. 2)
9. Allows public schools to use monies distributed by ADE to purchase or maintain AEDs. (Sec. 2)
---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER ---------
Initials CH/JD SB 1131
3/13/2026 Page 0 Education
---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER ---------