Existing law requires a person or entity that acquires an automated external defibrillator (AED) to comply with specified requirements, including ensuring that the AED is maintained and tested in accordance with the operation and maintenance guidelines set forth by the manufacturer. Existing law, when an AED is placed in a public or private K12 school, requires the principal to ensure that the school administrators and staff annually receive information that describes sudden cardiac arrest, the schools emergency response plan, and the proper use of an AED.

This bill would, when an AED is placed in a public or private school serving grades 6 to 12, inclusive, require the principal to, at least annually, notify pupils as to the location of all AED units on the campus.

Existing law requires a person or entity that acquires an automated external defibrillator (AED) to comply with specified requirements, including ensuring that the AED is maintained and tested in accordance with the operation and maintenance guidelines set forth by the manufacturer. Existing law, when an AED is placed in a public or private K12 school, requires the principal to ensure that the school administrators and staff annually receive information that describes sudden cardiac arrest, the schools emergency response plan, and the proper use of an AED.

This bill would, when an AED is placed in a public or private school serving grades 6 to 12, inclusive, require the principal to, at least annually, notify pupils as to the location of all AED units on the campus.

Existing law requires a person or entity that acquires an automated external defibrillator (AED) to comply with specified requirements, including ensuring that the AED is maintained and tested in accordance with the operation and maintenance guidelines set forth by the manufacturer. Existing law, when an AED is placed in a public or private K12 school, requires the principal to ensure that the school administrators and staff annually receive information that describes sudden cardiac arrest, the schools emergency response plan, and the proper use of an AED.

This bill would, when an AED is placed in a public or private school serving grades 6 to 12, inclusive, require the principal to ensure that the pupils annually receive information that describes sudden cardiac arrest, the schools emergency response plan, and the proper use of an AED. The bill would require the principal to, at least annually, notify pupils as to the location of all AED units on the campus.

Existing law requires a person or entity that acquires an automated external defibrillator (AED) to comply with specified requirements, including ensuring that the AED is maintained and tested in accordance with the operation and maintenance guidelines set forth by the manufacturer. Existing law, when an AED is placed in a public or private K12 school, requires the principal to ensure that the school administrators and staff annually receive information that describes sudden cardiac arrest, the schools emergency response plan, and the proper use of an AED.

This bill would, when an AED is placed in a public or private school serving grades 6 to 12, inclusive, require the principal to ensure that the pupils annually receive information that describes sudden cardiac arrest, the schools emergency response plan, and the proper use of an AED. The bill would require the principal to, at least annually, notify pupils as to the location of all AED units on the campus.

 CONSENT  

Bill No: AB 3262

Author: Maienschein (D)

Amended: 4/8/24 in Assembly

Vote: 21

SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: 7-0, 5/29/24

AYES: Newman, Ochoa Bogh, Cortese, Glazer, Gonzalez, Smallwood-Cuevas, Wilk

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 75-0, 4/15/24 - See last page for vote

SUBJECT: Automated external defibrillators

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST:

This bill requires that when an automated external defibrillator (AED) is placed in a public or private school serving grades 6-12, the principal notify pupils, in addition to school staff, of the location of all AED units on the campus at least annually.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Requires the school principal, when an AED is placed in a public or private K-12 school, to ensure that the school staff and administrators receive annual information regarding sudden cardiac arrest, the school's emergency response plan, and how to properly use an AED. Additionally, instructions on how to use the AED should be posted next to every AED in no less than 14-point type. The principal must also notify school employees at least once a year about the location of all AED units available on the campus. (HSC § 1797.196(c))
2. Any person who, in good faith and not for compensation, renders emergency care or treatment by the use of an AED at the scene of an emergency is not liable for any civil damages resulting from any acts or omissions in rendering the emergency care. (CIV § 1714.21(b))
3. A public school may solicit and receive nonstate funds to acquire and maintain an AED. (EC § 49417(a))
4. The governing board of a school district or the governing body of a charter school is encouraged to provide to pupils general information on the use and importance of an AED. (EC § 51225.6(c))
5. Commencing July 1, 2019, if a school district or charter school elects to offer any interscholastic athletic program, the school district or the charter school shall acquire at least one AED for each school that participates in the program within the jurisdiction of the school district or the charter school. (EC § 35179.6(b)(1))

This bill:

1. Need for the bill. According to the author, “Emergency medical events never strike at a moment of our choosing and can be particularly unnerving. The entire campus community should be prepared and informed on how to respond amidst the turmoil. This bill aims to make the dissemination of such vital information more inclusive, allowing the student body to play a participatory role in their protection.”
2. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). According to the Mayo Clinic, SCA is the sudden loss of all heart activity due to an irregular heart rhythm. Breathing stops. The person becomes unconscious. Without immediate treatment, SCA can lead to death.

To understand SCA, it may help to know more about the heart's signaling system. Electric signals in the heart control the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat. Faulty or extra electrical signals can make the heart beat too fast, too slowly or in an uncoordinated way. Changes in the heartbeat are called arrhythmias. Some arrhythmias are brief and harmless. Others can lead to SCA.

The most common cause of SCA is an irregular heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation. Rapid, erratic heart signals cause the lower heart chambers to quiver uselessly instead of pumping blood. Certain heart conditions can make you more likely to have this type of heartbeat problem. However, SCA can happen in people who have no known heart disease. Heart conditions that can cause SCA include:

• Coronary Artery Disease: SCA may occur if the heart arteries become clogged with cholesterol and other deposits, reducing blood flow to the heart.
• Heart Attack: If a heart attack occurs, often as a result of severe coronary artery disease, it can trigger ventricular fibrillation and SCA. Also, a heart attack can leave scar tissue in the heart. The scar tissue can cause changes in the heartbeat.
• Cardiomyopathy: This condition usually happens when the walls in the heart muscle stretch. The heart muscle gets bigger or thicker.
• Heart Valve Disease: Leaking or narrowing of the heart valves can lead to stretching or thickening of the heart muscle. When the chambers become enlarged or weakened because of stress caused by a tight or leaking valve, there's an increased risk of developing a heart rhythm problem.
• Congenital Heart Defect: SCA in children or adolescents is often due to a heart problem that they're born with. Adults who've had repair surgery for a congenital heart defect also have an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
• Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) and other heart signaling problems: Conditions such as long QT syndrome and Brugada syndrome cause the heart to beat in an unorganized way. If the heart rhythm isn't quickly restored, sudden death can occur. Young people with LQTS are especially at risk of sudden death.

Emergency treatment for SCA includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and shocks to the heart with a device called an AED. Survival is possible with fast, appropriate medical care.

1. What is an Automated External Defibulator? According to the American Heart Association, an AED is a lightweight, portable device. It delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart when it detects an abnormal rhythm and changes the rhythm back to normal. AEDs help people who have a SCA, which occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating regularly. The AED uses voice prompts, lights and text to tell the rescuer the steps to take. AEDs may have two sets of pads — adult pads and child pads. AEDs are intended for use by the general public.
2. School Principal – Current AED Notification Requirement. Existing law requires the school principal, when an AED is placed in a public or private K-12 school, to ensure that the school staff and administrators receive annual information regarding SCA, the school's emergency response plan, and how to properly use an AED.

Additionally, instructions on how to use the AED should be posted next to every AED in no less than 14-point type. The principal must also notify school employees at least once a year about the location of all AED units available on the campus.

This bill extends the notification requirement to include pupils enrolled at each school campus where an AED exists.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No

SUPPORT: (Verified 5/29/24)

American Red Cross California Chapter

California Federation of Teachers

California Fire Chiefs Association

Eric Paredes Save a Life Foundation

Fire Districts Association of California

Global Medical Response

OPPOSITION: (Verified 5/29/24)

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: According to the California Federation of Teachers, “Current law requires principals of schools serving students in grades 6 or higher to ensure that school administrators and staff annually receive information that describes sudden cardiac arrest, the school’s emergency response plan, and the proper use of an AED. AB 3262 would further require the principal to notify pupils—at least annually—as to the location of on campus AED units. This additional language will significantly help schools be much better prepared during the unfortunate event that such measures are necessary to save the lives of students or education workers. We urge your support for AB 3262 (Maienschein).”

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 75-0, 4/15/24

AYES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Alanis, Alvarez, Arambula, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bonta, Bryan, Calderon, Juan Carrillo, Cervantes, Chen, Connolly, Davies, Dixon, Flora, Mike Fong, Vince Fong, Friedman, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Grayson, Haney, Hart, Holden, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Jones-Sawyer, Kalra, Lackey, Lee, Lowenthal, Maienschein, McCarty, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Stephanie Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Papan, Jim Patterson, Joe Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Rendon, Reyes, Luz Rivas, Rodriguez, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Santiago, Schiavo, Soria, Ta, Ting, Valencia, Villapudua, Waldron, Wallis, Ward, Weber, Wicks, Wilson, Wood, Zbur, Robert Rivas

NO VOTE RECORDED: Wendy Carrillo, Megan Dahle, Essayli, Low, Mathis

Prepared by: Kordell Hampton / ED. / (916) 651-4105

5/30/24 11:46:58

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Senator Josh Newman, Chair

2023 - 2024 Regular

Bill No: AB 3262 Hearing Date: May 29, 2024

Subject: Automated external defibrillators.

SUMMARY

This bill would require that when an automated external defibrillator (AED) is placed in a public or private school serving grades 6-12, the principal notify pupils, in addition to school staff, of the location of all AED units on the campus at least annually. 

BACKGROUND

Existing Law:

Health and Safety Code (HSC)

1. Requires the school principal, when an AED is placed in a public or private K-12 school, to ensure that the school staff and administrators receive annual information regarding sudden cardiac arrest, the school's emergency response plan, and how to properly use an AED. Additionally, instructions on how to use the AED should be posted next to every AED in no less than 14-point type. The principal must also notify school employees at least once a year about the location of all AED units available on the campus. (HSC § 1797.196(c))

Civil Code (CIV)

1.  Any person who, in good faith and not for compensation, renders emergency care or treatment by the use of an AED at the scene of an emergency is not liable for any civil damages resulting from any acts or omissions in rendering the emergency care. (CIV § 1714.21(b))

Education Code (EC)

1. A public school may solicit and receive nonstate funds to acquire and maintain an AED. (EC § 49417(a))
2. The governing board of a school district or the governing body of a charter school is encouraged to provide to pupils general information on the use and importance of an AED. (EC § 51225.6(c))
3. Commencing July 1, 2019, if a school district or charter school elects to offer any interscholastic athletic program, the school district or the charter school shall acquire at least one AED for each school that participates in the program within the jurisdiction of the school district or the charter school. (EC § 35179.6(b)(1))

ANALYSIS

This bill would require that when an AED is placed in a public or private school serving grades 6-12, the principal notify pupils, in addition to school staff, of the location of all AED units on the campus at least annually. 

STAFF COMMENTS

1. Need for the bill. According to the author, “Emergency medical events never strike at a moment of our choosing and can be particularly unnerving. The entire campus community should be prepared and informed on how to respond amidst the turmoil. This bill aims to make the dissemination of such vital information more inclusive, allowing the student body to play a participatory role in their protection.”
2. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). According to the Mayo Clinic, SCA is the sudden loss of all heart activity due to an irregular heart rhythm. Breathing stops. The person becomes unconscious. Without immediate treatment, SCA can lead to death.

To understand SCA, it may help to know more about the heart's signaling system. Electric signals in the heart control the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat. Faulty or extra electrical signals can make the heart beat too fast, too slowly or in an uncoordinated way. Changes in the heartbeat are called arrhythmias. Some arrhythmias are brief and harmless. Others can lead to SCA.

The most common cause of SCA is an irregular heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation. Rapid, erratic heart signals cause the lower heart chambers to quiver uselessly instead of pumping blood. Certain heart conditions can make you more likely to have this type of heartbeat problem. However, SCA can happen in people who have no known heart disease. Heart conditions that can cause SCA include:

• Coronary Artery Disease: SCA may occur if the heart arteries become clogged with cholesterol and other deposits, reducing blood flow to the heart.
• Heart Attack: If a heart attack occurs, often as a result of severe coronary artery disease, it can trigger ventricular fibrillation and SCA. Also, a heart attack can leave scar tissue in the heart. The scar tissue can cause changes in the heartbeat.
• Cardiomyopathy: This condition usually happens when the walls in the heart muscle stretch. The heart muscle gets bigger or thicker.
• Heart Valve Disease: Leaking or narrowing of the heart valves can lead to stretching or thickening of the heart muscle. When the chambers become enlarged or weakened because of stress caused by a tight or leaking valve, there's an increased risk of developing a heart rhythm problem.
• Congenital Heart Defect: SCA in children or adolescents is often due to a heart problem that they're born with. Adults who've had repair surgery for a congenital heart defect also have an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
• Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) and other heart signaling problems: Conditions such as long QT syndrome and Brugada syndrome cause the heart to beat in an unorganized way. If the heart rhythm isn't quickly restored, sudden death can occur. Young people with LQTS are especially at risk of sudden death.

Emergency treatment for SCA includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and shocks to the heart with a device called an AED. Survival is possible with fast, appropriate medical care.

1. What is an Automated External Defibulator? According to the American Heart Association, an AED is a lightweight, portable device. It delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart when it detects an abnormal rhythm and changes the rhythm back to normal. AEDs help people who have a SCA, which occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating regularly. The AED uses voice prompts, lights and text to tell the rescuer the steps to take. AEDs may have two sets of pads — adult pads and child pads. AEDs are intended for use by the general public.
2. School Principal – Current AED Notification Requirement. Existing law requires the school principal, when an AED is placed in a public or private K-12 school, to ensure that the school staff and administrators receive annual information regarding SCA, the school's emergency response plan, and how to properly use an AED.

Additionally, instructions on how to use the AED should be posted next to every AED in no less than 14-point type. The principal must also notify school employees at least once a year about the location of all AED units available on the campus.

This bill extends the notification requirement to include pupils enrolled at each school campus where an AED exists.

1. Related Legislation.

AB 1473 (Maienschein, 2023) would have required the Instructional Quality Commission (IQC) when the health and physical education framework is next revised after January 1, 2024, to consider increasing content related to instruction in performing compression-only CPR), including the use of an AED. This bill was held in Senate Appropriations Committee.

AB 1719 (Rodriguez, Chapter 556, Statutes of 2016) required, commencing in the 2018-19 school year, school districts and charter schools that require a health course for graduation include instruction in compression-only CPR.

AB 2217 (Melendez, Chapter 812, Statutes of 2014) authorizes schools to solicit and receive non-state funds for an AED and clarifies those schools and school employees are not civilly liable when acting in good faith.

AB 873 (Berman, Chapter 815, Statutes of 2023) requires the IQC to consider incorporating the Model Library Standards and media literacy content at each grade level when the English language arts/English language development curriculum framework is next revised and media literacy content into the mathematics, science, and history-social science frameworks when those frameworks are next revised after January 1, 2024.

AB 71 (Rodriguez, 2023) would require commencing, with the 2025–26 school year, the governing board of a school district or the governing body of a charter school that requires a course in health education for graduation from high school to include in that course instruction in bleeding control. This bill was held in Senate Appropriations Committee.

SUPPORT

American Red Cross California Chapter

California Federation of Teachers

California Fire Chiefs Association

Fire Districts Association of California

OPPOSITION

None received

-- END --

ASSEMBLY THIRD READING

ATR Bill Id:AB 3262

Author:(Maienschein)

As Amended Ver:April 8, 2024

Majority vote

SUMMARY

Requires, when an automated external defibrillator (AED) is placed in a public or private school serving students in grades six to 12, the principal annually notify students of the locations of all AED units on campus.

Major Provisions

Requires, when an AED is placed in a public or private school serving students in grades six to 12, the principal annually notify students of the locations of all AED units on campus.

COMMENTS

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). According to the American Heart Association (AHA), unlike a heart attack (when blood flow to the heart is blocked), SCA is when the heart malfunctions and suddenly stops beating unexpectedly. It is triggered by an electrical malfunction in the heart that causes an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). With its pumping action disrupted, the heart cannot pump blood to the brain, lungs, and other organs. Seconds later, a person loses consciousness and has no pulse. Death occurs within minutes if the victim does not receive treatment.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 2,000 young, seemingly healthy people under age 25 in the U.S. die each year of SCA. It is thought to be a leading cause of death in young athletes, but it also affects young people not involved in organized sports.

What is an AED? An AED is a lightweight, portable device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart. According to the AHA, the shock can potentially stop an irregular heartbeat and allow a normal rhythm to resume following SCA. AEDs are considered safe for use by anyone. The device has a built-in computer to check a victim's heart rhythm and calculate whether defibrillation is needed. If it is, audible prompts guide the rescuer through the process.

AEDs in schools. A 2009 research study noted that U.S. high schools are increasingly adopting AEDs for use in campus settings, and found that school-based AED programs provide a high survival rate for both student athletes and older non-students who suffer SCA on school grounds. (Drezner, 2009)

According to the Author

"Emergency medical events never strike at a moment of our choosing and can be particularly unnerving. The entire campus community should be prepared and knowledgeable about how to respond amidst the turmoil. This bill aims to make the dissemination of such vital information more inclusive, allowing the student body to play a participatory role in their protection."

Arguments in Support

The California Federation of Teachers writes, "Current law requires principals of schools serving students in grades six or higher to ensure that school administrators and staff annually receive information that describes sudden cardiac arrest, the school's emergency response plan, and the proper use of an AED. [This bill] would further require the principal to ensure that the pupils annually receive information that describes sudden cardiac arrest, the school's emergency response plan, and the proper use of an AED. The bill would also require the principal to notify pupils—at least annually—as to the location of on campus AED units. This additional language will significantly help schools be much better prepared during the unfortunate event that such measures are necessary to save the lives of students or education workers."

Arguments in Opposition

None on file.

FISCAL COMMENTS

This bill has been keyed non-fiscal by the Office of Legislative Counsel.

VOTES

ASM EDUCATION: 7-0-0

YES: Muratsuchi, Addis, Alvarez, Bonta, Flora, Hoover, McCarty

UPDATED

VERSION: April 8, 2024

CONSULTANT: Debbie Look / ED. / (916) 319-2087 FN: 0002720

Date of Hearing: April 3, 2024

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Al Muratsuchi, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 3262 (

Author:Maienschein) – As Introduced Ver:February 16, 2024

SUBJECT: Automated external defibrillators

SUMMARY: Requires, when an automated external defibrillator (AED) is placed in a public or private school serving students in grades 6 to 12, the principal to ensure that students annually receive information that describes sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), the school’s emergency response plan, and the proper use of an AED, and at least annually notify students of the locations of all AED units on campus. Specifically, this bill:

1. Requires, when an AED is placed in a public or private school serving students in grades 6 to 12, the principal to ensure that students annually receive information that describes SCA, the school’s emergency response plan, and the proper use of an AED, and at least annually notify students of the locations of all AED units on campus.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Requires each school district or county office of education (COE) to be responsible for the overall development of all comprehensive school safety plans for its schools operating kindergarten or any of grades 1 through 12. (Education Code (EC) 32281)
2. Requires the petition to establish a charter school to include the development of a school safety plan with specified safety topics, aligned with the requirements for a school district’s comprehensive school safety plan. (EC 47605 and 47605.5)
3. Authorizes public schools to solicit and receive non-state funds to acquire and maintain an AED and requires these funds to be used only to acquire and maintain an AED, and to provide training to school employees in the use of an AED. (EC 49417)
4. Requires, if a school district or charter school requires a course in health education for graduation from high school, instruction in performing compression-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Also encourages school districts and charter schools to provide information to students on the use and importance of an AED, but states that the physical presence of an AED in the classroom is not required. (EC 51225.6)
5. Requires, if a school district or charter school elects to offer any interscholastic athletic program, the school district or charter school must acquire at least one AED for each school that participates in the program, and encourages school districts and charter schools to ensure that at least one AED is available for the purpose of rendering emergency care or treatment within the recommended 3 to 5 minutes of SCA to students, spectators or other individuals in attendance at the athletic program’s activities or events. (EC 35179.6)
6. Requires the CDE to post on its website, guidelines, videos, an information sheet on sudden cardiac arrest symptoms and warning signs, and other relevant materials to inform and educate students and parents and to train coaches. Also encourages school districts and schools to post these materials on their websites to provide ready access to the information. (EC 33479.2)
7. Requires that when an AED is placed in a building, the building owner to, at least once per year, notify the tenants as to the location of the AED units and provide information to tenants about who they can contact if they want to voluntarily take AED or CPR training, and to post instructions next to the AED on how to use the AED. (Health and Safety Code (HSC) 1797.196

FISCAL EFFECT: This bill has been keyed non-fiscal by the Office of Legislative Counsel.

COMMENTS:

Need for the bill. According to the author, “Emergency medical events never strike at a moment of our choosing and can be particularly unnerving. The entire campus community should be prepared and knowledgeable about how to respond amidst the turmoil. This bill aims to make the dissemination of such vital information more inclusive, allowing the student body to play a participatory role in their protection.”

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). According to the American Heart Association (AHA), unlike a heart attack (when blood flow to the heart is blocked), SCA is when the heart malfunctions and suddenly stops beating unexpectedly. It is triggered by an electrical malfunction in the heart that causes an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). With its pumping action disrupted, the heart cannot pump blood to the brain, lungs, and other organs. Seconds later, a person loses consciousness and has no pulse. Death occurs within minutes if the victim does not receive treatment.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 2,000 young, seemingly healthy people under age 25 in the U.S. die each year of SCA. It is thought to be a leading cause of death in young athletes, but it also affects young people not involved in organized sports.

What is an AED? An AED is a lightweight, portable device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart. According to the American Heart Association, the shock can potentially stop an irregular heartbeat and allow a normal rhythm to resume following SCA. AEDs are considered safe for use by anyone. The device has a built-in computer to check a victim’s heart rhythm and calculate whether defibrillation is needed. If it is, audible prompts guide the rescuer through the process.

Effectiveness of AEDs. More than 356,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs) are reported annually in the United States by the CDC. An estimated 70% to 90% of people experiencing OHCA die before reaching the hospital. CPR and the use of an AED within minutes of cardiac arrest can dramatically raise survival rates, but are not commonly used or available. One study reported AED use at 10.8% in public settings before emergency medical services arrive. (Andersen, 2018)

Research further suggests that the availability of an AED in communities is associated with nearly a doubling of survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, reinforcing the importance of strategically expanding community-based AED programs. (Weisfeldt, 2010)

According to the CDC, the placement of AEDs at public locations where cardiac arrest is likely to occur, including schools, casinos, federal buildings, airports, fitness centers, churches, and workplaces, has been found to increase out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival, increase rates of return of spontaneous circulation, and improve neurological outcomes for patients.

AEDs in schools. A 2009 research study noted that U.S. high schools are increasingly adopting AEDs for use in campus settings, and found that school-based AED programs provide a high survival rate for both student athletes and older non-students who suffer SCA on school grounds. (Drezner, 2009)

Recommended Committee Amendments. Staff recommends that the bill be amended to remove references to pupils annually receiving information that describes SCA, the school’s emergency response plan, and the proper use of an AED.

Arguments in support. The California Federation of Teachers writes, “Current law requires principals of schools serving students in grades 6 or higher to ensure that school administrators and staff annually receive information that describes sudden cardiac arrest, the school’s emergency response plan, and the proper use of an AED. AB 3262 would further require the principal to ensure that the pupils annually receive information that describes sudden cardiac arrest, the school’s emergency response plan, and the proper use of an AED. The bill would also require the principal to notify pupils—at least annually—as to the location of on campus AED units. This additional language will significantly help schools be much better prepared during the unfortunate event that such measures are necessary to save the lives of students or education workers.”

Related legislation. AB 2887 (Mainschein) of the 2023-24 Session requires that comprehensive school safety plans include procedures that address the appropriate use of school personnel in responding to incidents involving an individual experiencing a SCA or similar life-threatening medical emergency on school grounds, and requires those procedures include specified elements, including CPR training and AED placement.

SB 1135 (Jones) of the 2021-22 Session would have required the CDE, upon an appropriation by the Legislature, to establish the California Youth Cardiac Screening Pilot Program to provide free cardiac screenings for students in grades 5 through 12 from the 2022-23 school year through the 2024-25 school years at schools that voluntarily participate in the program. This bill was held in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

AB 379 (Mainschein) Chapter 174, Statutes of 2019, adds “an athlete who has passed out or fainted” to existing law that prohibits an athlete from returning to athletic activity until being evaluated and cleared by a health care provider. Requires the athlete, if the healthcare provider suspects that the athlete has a cardiac condition that puts the athlete at risk for SCA or other heart-related issues, to remain under the care of the healthcare provider to pursue follow-up testing until the athlete is cleared to play.

AB 2009 (Mainschein) Chapter 646, Statutes of 2018, requires a school district or charter school that elects to offer any interscholastic athletic program to ensure that there is a written emergency action plan in place and acquire at least one AED for each school for the purpose of emergency care in the event of cardiac arrest and other related medical emergencies. Clarifies that existing law providing conditional liability protections to those acquiring or using these AEDs would apply.

AB 1639 (Mainschein) Chapter 792, Statutes of 2016, requires the CDE to make available specified guidelines and materials on SCA; requires students and parents to sign informational materials before athletic participation; requires training of coaches; and sets requirements for action in the event a pupil experiences specified symptoms.

AB 1719 (Rodriguez) Chapter 556, Statutes of 2016, requires that, commencing in the 2018-19 school year, school districts and charter schools that require a health course for graduation include instruction in compression-only CPR.

AB 2217 (Melendez) Chapter 812, Statutes of 2014, authorizes schools to solicit and receive non-state funds for AEDs, and clarifies those schools and school employees are not civilly liable when acting in good faith.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

California Federation of Teachers

Opposition

None on file

Analysis Prepared by: Debbie Look / ED. / (916) 319-2087