Bill > S05539

This bill, known as "Desha's law," requires school districts to update their safety plans to include a comprehensive cardiac emergency response plan. The bill mandates that schools maintain automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on-site, clearly marked and maintained according to guidelines from the American Heart Association. School districts must develop a written plan that specifically addresses how to respond to sudden cardiac arrest or life-threatening emergencies at school sites or during school-sponsored events, including athletic programs. The plan must include venue-specific procedures and integrate evidence-based core elements recommended by medical professionals. Schools are required to include cardiac emergency response as part of their annual staff and student safety training, though AED and CPR training for staff remains voluntary. The plan should also consider how to integrate with local emergency medical services (EMS) protocols. Additionally, the bill updates existing education law to explicitly include sudden cardiac arrest in emergency response procedures and school safety training requirements. The law will take effect 180 days after becoming law, giving schools time to develop and implement the new cardiac emergency response plans.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5539