Bill > HB549

This bill, named the Westyn Bryan Mandrell Act, requires school districts to make airway clearance devices available on each campus, defined as non-invasive devices capable of removing foreign-body airway obstructions. Districts can obtain these devices through donations or specific funding and must store them near areas where students consume food. At least one trained employee must be present near the device whenever a substantial number of students are at the location. The bill also allows school districts, charter schools, and private schools to contract with vendors to provide respiratory distress medication, equipment, and related training for school personnel and volunteers. The provisions will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year, and the bill becomes law either immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the legislature or on September 1, 2025, if not. Importantly, the bill includes language specifying that it does not create additional liability for school districts or waive existing liability protections, which may help alleviate potential concerns about legal risks associated with implementing these new requirements.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB549