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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate2025-05-08

Vote Breakdown

Plain Language Summary

This bill requires all North Carolina public schools to install at least one automatic external defibrillator (AED) in each school building, primarily in athletic facilities, and mandates training for school personnel on how to use AEDs and perform CPR. The State Board of Education will develop rules for installation, maintenance, and training, with all types of public schools (traditional public, charter, regional, and university-run) required to comply by the 2025-2026 school year.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue that AEDs can save lives during sudden cardiac emergencies in schools, where students and staff may experience heart attacks or cardiac events.
• •They point to the real example of a state legislator whose life was saved by an AED in the General Assembly building in 2009, demonstrating the device's effectiveness.
• •Supporters believe having trained personnel and accessible AEDs throughout schools will ensure rapid response to cardiac emergencies and significantly improve survival rates.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may raise concerns about the cost of purchasing, installing, and maintaining AEDs in every school building across the state, as well as the expense of training programs for all personnel.
• •They might also question whether placing AEDs primarily in athletic facilities is sufficient for protecting students and staff in other areas of schools, and whether schools already have some AEDs or alternative emergency response plans that could be built upon rather than creating new requirements.