Bill > SB0244

This bill mandates that by the 2026-2027 school year, every school within a Local Education Agency (LEA) must develop a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP), which is a plan to address sudden cardiac arrest or similar emergencies on school grounds. The CERP must incorporate evidence-based core elements, meaning practices recommended by organizations like the American Heart Association or other nationally recognized standards for emergency cardiovascular care. Key provisions include ensuring an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), a portable device that can restart a heart, is appropriately placed, clearly marked, and accessible within three minutes, and that trained school staff, such as educators, nurses, or athletic trainers, are available to provide first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and AED use. LEAs are required to test and maintain AEDs according to manufacturer guidelines and notify emergency medical services about their AEDs. The bill also establishes a grant program, subject to legislative funding, to help schools implement their CERPs, with priority given to "high-needs schools" (schools designated as Title I or with over 50% of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch), and allows LEAs to accept donations for AEDs and related training. The State Board is authorized to create rules for grant distribution and compliance monitoring, and the bill takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Education

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SB0244.html