Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB226

Introduced
2/13/25  
Refer
2/13/25  
Report Pass
2/17/25  
Engrossed
2/18/25  
Refer
2/18/25  
Report Pass
3/4/25  
Enrolled
3/5/25  
Chaptered
3/6/25  

Caption

To Amend The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act; And To Modify The Requirements For Professional Development In School Districts Related To Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

Impact

Under the proposed amendments, individuals employed in relevant roles will need to complete training on specific events and conditions related to cardiac arrest every three years. They will also be required to maintain a Basic Life Support certification, which includes competencies in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) as per established best practices from organizations like the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association.

Summary

Senate Bill 226 aims to amend the existing Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act in Arkansas. This bill introduces modifications to the requirements for professional development among school districts, specifically targeting those who work closely with student athletes, including coaches and volunteers. The goal is to enhance the safety protocols in schools by ensuring that staff members are adequately trained to recognize and respond to sudden cardiac events that may occur during athletic activities.

Contention

There are several notable points regarding the implementation of SB226. Proponents argue that such measures are vital for improving student health and safety during sports activities, potentially saving lives through timely intervention. However, there may be contention regarding the logistics of implementing training programs across various school districts, including concerns about funding, accessibility to training resources, and the impact on coach and volunteer recruitment, given the time and cost commitment required for ongoing certification and training.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR SB526

Concerning The Taking Of A Dna Sample For A Person Arrested For A Felony; And To Clarify The Retention Of A Dna Sample For A Person Arrested For A Felony.

AR SCR3

Designating Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Awareness Day To Educate People About Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

AR SR28

To Recognize The Farmington High School Lady Cardinals As The 2023-2024 Class 4a Girls Basketball State Champions.

AR HB1538

To Amend The Professional Development Schedule Required For Licensed School Personnel; And To Amend The Definition Of A "basic Contract" Under The Teacher Compensation Program Of 2003.

AR HR1002

To Recognize The Farmington High School Lady Cardinals As The 2024 Class 4a Girls Softball State Champions.

AR SB421

To Create The Coach Safely Act; And To Require Youth Injury Mitigation And Information Courses For Athletics Personnel And Coaches.

AR HB1689

To Amend The Public School Funding Act Of 2003; And To Create The Comprehensive Investment In Student Achievement Act.

AR SB294

To Create The Learns Act; To Amend Various Provisions Of The Arkansas Code As They Relate To Early Childhood Through Grade Twelve Education In The State Of Arkansas; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB400

To Amend The Public School Choice Act Of 2015; And To Amend The Arkansas Opportunity Public School Choice Act.

AR HR1081

To Encourage All Educators In Private And Charter Schools To Participate In Professional Development Courses On Bullying In Schools And Recognizing And Addressing Student Child Maltreatment Issues.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.