Iowa Senate Bill SF2390

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/19/26
• Refer: 2/24/26

Caption

A bill for an act establishing the school health-related emergency response plan competitive grant program within the department of education, making appropriations, and including applicability provisions.(Formerly SF 2092; See SF 2474.)

Impact

The bill's enactment will significantly impact Iowa state laws concerning school safety and emergency preparedness. By mandating the creation of cardiac emergency response plans and establishing a grant program to support these efforts, SF2390 ensures that schools have the necessary resources and infrastructure in place to respond to life-threatening emergencies. Moreover, this legislation aims to reinforce the importance of training educators and staff in first aid and CPR, thereby fostering a safer environment for students and helping to mitigate potential fatalities stemming from cardiac incidents.

Summary

Senate File 2390 establishes a competitive grant program aimed at improving school health-related emergency response plans within the Iowa Department of Education. This bill is designed to enhance safety protocols in educational settings regarding cardiac emergencies, particularly during physical education or extracurricular activities. Schools will be required to develop and implement comprehensive cardiac emergency response plans that follow guidelines established by the American Heart Association. The identification of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and training for staff are core components of this program, aimed at ensuring rapid and effective response during incidents of cardiac arrest.

Contention

While many stakeholders have praised the bill for its proactive approach to ensuring student safety, there are concerns expressed by critics regarding the adequacy of funding and the potential administrative burden it may place on school districts. Some district representatives worry that the requirements for equipment maintenance and staff training could strain limited resources. Additionally, there is an ongoing debate about whether the state will provide sufficient funding to support ongoing training and the acquisition of necessary equipment, particularly in smaller or underfunded districts. These issues may create discrepancies in the implementation of the provisions across various schools.