Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB865

Filed
1/22/25  
Out of Senate Committee
4/30/25  
Voted on by Senate
5/7/25  
Out of House Committee
5/21/25  
Voted on by House
5/28/25  
Governor Action
6/20/25  

Caption

Relating to instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of automated external defibrillators and to a cardiac emergency response plan for certain school employees and volunteers.

Impact

The implementation of SB865 is expected to significantly influence the health and safety laws applicable to educational institutions. Specifically, it mandates that school staff—including nurses, athletic coaches, and physical education instructors—receive training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). This instruction requires certification from reputable organizations, contributing to a standardization of emergency preparedness within the state's educational sector. Schools will also need to conduct annual drills and reviews of their emergency plans, ensuring that protocols remain current and effective.

Summary

SB865, known as the Landon Payton Act, seeks to enhance safety protocols in schools across Texas by mandating the establishment of cardiac emergency response plans. The bill requires each school district and private school to develop and implement detailed procedures that specifically address the response to cardiac arrest incidents on school grounds. These plans must include the formation of a cardiac emergency response team and employ evidence-based guidelines from recognized organizations in the field of emergency cardiovascular care. The bill aimed to ensure that school employees are well-prepared to respond to cardiac emergencies and that local emergency services are integrated into the plan.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB865 was largely positive, with strong bipartisan support observed during discussions leading up to the bill's passage. Proponents lauded the bill as a critical step in safeguarding student health, arguing that improved training and preparedness could save lives. Despite this support, there were some expressions of concern regarding the additional burdens placed on schools that may already be facing financial and logistical challenges in implementing these requirements. Overall, supporters emphasized the importance of proactive measures in emergency situations.

Contention

While the bill garnered considerable support, there were points of contention regarding the feasibility of its implementation in all school settings. Critics pointed out that certain districts, especially those with limited resources, might struggle to meet the requirements established by SB865. Concerns were raised about funding for training programs and whether additional state support would be available for the procurement of necessary equipment like AEDs and the training of personnel. Nonetheless, the overwhelming vote in favor of the bill reflects a commitment to improving emergency responses within the state's educational landscape.

Companion Bills

TX HB3450

Identical Relating to instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of automated external defibrillators for school district, private school, and open-enrollment charter school employees and volunteers.

TX HB4684

Same As Relating to instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of automated external defibrillators for school district, private school, and open-enrollment charter school employees and volunteers.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3450

Relating to instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of automated external defibrillators for school district, private school, and open-enrollment charter school employees and volunteers.

TX HB4684

Relating to instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of automated external defibrillators for school district, private school, and open-enrollment charter school employees and volunteers.

TX HB3485

Relating to the availability and instruction on the use of automated external defibrillators and a cardiac emergency response plan at public schools and certain private schools in this state.

TX SB2019

Relating to the availability and instruction on the use of automated external defibrillators and a cardiac emergency response plan at public schools and certain private schools in this state.

TX SB945

School curriculum: physical education framework: cardiopulmonary resuscitation: automated external defibrillators.

TX H572

Relative to cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automatic external defibrillator education in public schools

TX A2101

Encourages public school teachers to hold current certification in emergency first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and use of automated external defibrillator.

TX HF3784

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation training and automated external defibrillator training for coaches required.

TX HB1133

Cardiac Emergency Response Plans and Automated External Defibrillators; expand access and provide funding.

TX HB1943

In school health services, further providing for automatic external defibrillators, providing for automated external defibrillators and training, further providing for sudden cardiac arrest and electrocardiogram testing and providing for electrocardiogram testing for interscholastic athletics; and, in terms and courses of study, further providing for cardiopulmonary resuscitation education.

Similar Bills

HI HB1535

Relating To Automated External Defibrillators.

NJ S2431

Requires NJT to equip trains with defibrillators.

NJ A101

Requires NJT to equip trains with defibrillators.

PA SB620

In grounds and buildings, providing for automated external defibrillator placement, inspection, maintenance and plan; in school health services, further providing for automatic external defibrillators; and, in charter schools, further providing for provisions applicable to charter schools and for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.

NJ S583

Requires institution of higher education to have automatic external defibrillator on premises of each athletic facility and student center.

NJ A1853

Requires institution of higher education to have automatic external defibrillator on premises of each athletic facility and student center.

NJ A483

Requires defibrillators in certain multiple dwellings; establishes Affordable Housing Defibrillator Fund.

GA SB399

"Mason Sells AED Coordination Act"; enact