summary
Introduced
01/29/2025
01/29/2025
In Committee
04/09/2025
04/09/2025
Crossed Over
04/09/2025
04/09/2025
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
126th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Enacting The "smart Heart Act" By Adding Section 59-17-165 So As To Provide Definitions And To Provide For The Development And Implementation Of A Cardiac Emergency Response Plan In Each Public School; And By Amending Section 59-17-155, Relating To The Automated External Defibrillator Program In High Schools, So As To Provide Each Public School Shall Ensure The Presence Of An Automated External Defibrillator Onsite And Within Certain Proximity Of School Athletic Venues, And To Provide Related Testing, Maintenance, And Personnel Training Requirements.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the "Smart Heart Act," mandates that every public school in South Carolina develop and implement a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) to address sudden cardiac arrest, which is when the heart unexpectedly stops beating. This plan will outline how school personnel should respond to such emergencies, including the placement, maintenance, and regular testing of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), which are devices that can restart a heart. The bill also requires that AEDs be readily accessible at all school athletic venues, both on and off campus, and that coaches and other designated staff receive training in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED use. Furthermore, it provides legal protections, or immunity, for those acting in good faith to implement these emergency plans and use AEDs, as long as their actions are not grossly negligent. The act will take effect on July 1, 2025, and apply to the 2026-2027 school year.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (21)
Brian Lawson (R)*,
Heather Bauer (D),
Don Chapman (R),
Adam Duncan (R),
Craig Gagnon (R),
Hamilton Grant (D),
Brandon Guffey (R),
Jackie Hayes (D),
Leon Howard (D),
David Martin (R),
John McCravy (R),
Travis Moore (R),
Dennis Moss (R),
Fawn Pedalino (R),
Michael Rivers (D),
Robby Robbins (R),
Blake Sanders (R),
Carla Schuessler (R),
Heath Sessions (R),
Mark Smith (R),
Courtney Waters (D),
Last Action
Committee report: Favorable with amendment Education (on 03/11/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3831&session=126&summary=B |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/3831_20260311.htm |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/3831_20250408.htm |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/3831_20250404.htm |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/3831_20250402.htm |
| Fiscal Note - H3831 2025-01-29 Introduced | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/fiscalimpactstatements/H3831%202025-01-29%20introduced.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/3831_20250129.htm |
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