Bill > HB3485

This bill enhances cardiac emergency preparedness in Texas public and private schools by expanding requirements for automated external defibrillator (AED) availability and emergency response planning. The bill mandates that school nurses, coaches, and other specified school employees receive and maintain certification in AED use from recognized organizations focused on emergency cardiovascular care. Schools must now have multiple AEDs strategically placed to ensure they can be accessed within three minutes of a potential cardiac emergency. Additionally, schools are required to develop and implement comprehensive cardiac emergency response plans, which must include establishing a response team, creating activation procedures, providing ongoing training in first aid and CPR, conducting annual practice drills, and regularly reviewing and updating the plan. The bill also requires schools to collaborate with local emergency services and incorporate evidence-based practices like the American Heart Association's core elements for cardiac emergency response. To support implementation, the commissioner will establish a grant program prioritizing schools with a high percentage of educationally disadvantaged students. Schools must comply with these new requirements by the first instructional day of the 2027-2028 school year, with the act taking effect either immediately upon a two-thirds legislative vote or on September 1, 2025.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3485