TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Julia Wilburn on May 21, 2024

Gov. Bill Lee today signed the Smart Heart Act, legislation that requires automatic external defibrillators (AED) in schools and establishes response protocols for cardiac-related medical emergencies. The bill received unanimous, bipartisan legislative support. The Smart Heart Act requires each public and nonpublic school serving grades nine through 12 to maintain an AED that is accessible during the school day and during all school athletic activities. Additionally, schools must establish, review and annually practice an emergency action plan for responding to students who sustain cardiac arrests or other life-threatening injuries while participating in athletic activities. The legislation also ensures that appropriate personnel on and off the field, including coaches, are trained in CPR and AEDs. Read more from the governor's office.