ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-seventh Legislature First Regular Session

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HB 2196: schools; AEDs; CPR training; requirements

Sponsor: Representative Willoughby, LD 13

Committee on Education

Overview

Instructs a public high school to provide an automated external defibrillator (AED) at each school campus and school-sponsored athletic event and require each coach to complete instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid and the use of AEDs. Appropriates an unspecified amount from the state General Fund (GF) in FY 2026 for AED and training requirements.

History

An AED is a medical device heart monitor and defibrillator that is capable of determining, without intervention by an operator, if a controlled electrical charge to the heart should be performed to restore a viable cardiac rhythm. Unless otherwise exempted, a person who is a trained user of an AED has completed a state-approved course in CPR and the use of an AED for the lay rescuer and first responder, including the course adopted by the American Heart Association in effect as of December 31, 1998 (A.R.S. § 36-2261).

Provisions

1. Requires, beginning August 1, 2025, each public high school that sponsors an athletic team or sports program to:

a) provide an AED at each school campus and school-sponsored athletic event;

b) ensure that each AED is:

i. in an unlocked location that is accessible during the school day and at each venue where any school-sponsored athletic event is held;

ii. in a location where it may be promptly retrieved and used at the school or any school-sponsored athletic event;

iii. maintained in good working order and tested according to the manufacturer's guidelines; and

c) require each coach to complete a state-approved course that provides instruction in CPR, first aid and the use of AEDs and follows nationally recognized emergency cardiovascular guidelines. (Sec. 1)

2. Allows a school district or charter school to accept gifts, grants and donations for the prescribed AED and training requirements. (Sec. 1)

3. Appropriates an unspecified amount from the state GF in FY 2026 to the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) to implement the prescribed AED and training requirements. (Sec. 2)

4. Instructs ADE to distribute appropriated monies to schools that have 50% or more of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunches for:

a) purchasing and maintaining AEDs;

b) purchasing CPR training kits;

c) providing the state-approved course for coaches; and

d) purchasing other goods and services identified by ADE that are necessary for implementing the AED and training requirements. (Sec. 2)

5. Defines AED, school-sponsored athletic event and training. (Sec. 1)

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                        HB 2196

Initials CH     Page 0 Education

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