Bill > S278

This bill requires all public schools in North Carolina to develop and implement a comprehensive Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) designed to address sudden cardiac arrest incidents. Each school must establish a response team, create protocols for activating that team during a cardiac emergency, and ensure that key staff members (such as school nurses and athletic supervisors) receive annual training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) use. The plan mandates the placement of at least one AED in each school, positioned in an easily accessible, unlocked location where it can be used within three minutes, with clear signage. Schools must also coordinate with local emergency services to integrate their response plans, conduct annual practice drills, and review and update their CERP yearly. The bill applies to various types of public schools, including traditional public schools, charter schools, and regional schools, and provides $2 million in nonrecurring funds for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to help schools purchase AEDs and develop their emergency response plans. The requirements will become effective on July 1, 2025, and will apply to the 2025-2026 school year.

Budget and Finance

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S278