South Carolina House Bill H3576

South Carolina 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/25
• Refer: 1/14/25

Caption

Luke Barrett Act

Impact

H3576 would amend existing statutes within the South Carolina Code of Laws to include provisions requiring the placement of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) on school premises and at athletic events. Additionally, it mandates training for school staff in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and AED use, ensuring that designated personnel can quickly and effectively respond to cardiac emergencies. The introduction of these requirements is expected to significantly reduce the response time in critical situations, potentially saving lives and minimizing adverse outcomes during emergencies.

Summary

House Bill H3576, known as the 'Luke Barrett Act,' aims to enhance safety in South Carolina public schools by mandating the development and implementation of Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERP). These plans are designed to address incidents of sudden cardiac arrest at school facilities and during school-sponsored athletic events. Specifically, each public school district and charter school must create a CERP that outlines how school personnel will respond to cardiac emergencies, ensuring appropriate measures are in place to protect students and staff during such crises.

Contention

The bill also includes important legal protections, granting immunity from civil or criminal liability for individuals who act under the provisions of the CERP. This immunity extends to school officials, staff training personnel, and authorized trainers in CPR and AED usage, provided their actions are in good faith and not grossly negligent. This legal safeguard is intended to encourage compliance and active participation in emergency response training and procedures among school staff, promoting a culture of preparedness and safety within educational institutions.