The Florida Senate
BILL ANALYSIS AND FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(This document is based on the provisions contained in the legislation as of the latest date listed below.)
Prepared By: The Professional Staff of the Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services
BILL: CS/SB 830
INTRODUCER: Health Policy Committee and Senator Collins
SUBJECT: Youth Athletic Activities
DATE: February 7, 2024
ANALYST STAFF DIRECTOR REFERENCE ACTION
1. Morgan Brown HP Fav/CS
2. Gerbrandt McKnight AHS Favorable
3. FP
Please see Section IX. for Additional Information:
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE - Substantial Changes
I. Summary:
CS/SB 830 amends the Education Code in s. 1012.55, F.S., to require that an athletic coach in
any public school in the state must hold and maintain a certification in cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and the use of an automatic external defibrillator (AED). The
certification must be consistent with national, evidence-based emergency cardiovascular care
guidelines.
This bill does not have a fiscal impact on state government. See Section V. Fiscal Impact
Statement.
The bill provides an effective date of July 1, 2024.
II. Present Situation:
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, First Aid, and Automatic External Defibrillation
Many types of injuries and illnesses can occur when participating in organized sports, including
sudden cardiac arrest. While rare in young, healthy athletes, it can happen, and preparation via an
emergency action plan, as well as required coursework and training, is pivotal in preparing
REVISED: BILL: CS/SB 830 Page 2
coaches, parents and other athletics personnel or staff to respond in the most effective way to
save lives.
1
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency lifesaving procedure performed when the
heart stops beating. Immediate CPR can double or triple chances of survival after cardiac arrest
by keeping the blood flow active until the arrival of trained medical staff.
2
First aid refers to medical attention that is usually administered immediately on-site after the
injury occurs. It often consists of a one-time, short-term treatment and requires little technology
or training to administer. First aid can include cleaning minor cuts, scrapes, or scratches; treating
a minor burn; applying bandages and dressings; the use of non-prescription medicine; draining
blisters; removing debris from the eyes; massage; and drinking fluids to relieve heat stress.
3
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a lightweight, portable device. It delivers an
electric shock through the chest to the heart when it detects an abnormal rhythm and changes the
rhythm back to normal.
4
AEDs can greatly increase a cardiac arrest victim’s chances of survival.
5
Although formal AED training isn’t required, it’s recommended to increase the confidence level
of the user, promoting better outcomes.
6
Student Extracurricular Activities and Athletics Legislation
Currently, the Education Code provides that each public school that is a member of the Florida
High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) must have an operational AED on school grounds.
The AED must be available in a clearly marked and publicized location for each athletic contest,
practice, workout, or conditioning session, including those conducted outside of the school year.
Public and private partnerships are encouraged to cover the cost associated with the purchase,
placement, and training in the use of the AED.
7
Under current law, an FHSAA member school employee or volunteer with current training in
CPR and use of an AED must be present at each athletic event during and outside of the school
year, including athletic contests, practices, workouts, and conditioning sessions. The training
must include completion of a course in CPR or a basic first aid course that includes CPR
training, and demonstrated proficiency in the use of an AED. Each employee or volunteer who is
reasonably expected to use an AED must complete this training.
8
1
Atlantic Health System, How to Be Better Prepared at a Child’s Sporting Event, available at
https://www.atlantichealth.org/about-us/stay-connected/news/content-central/2023/cardiac-arrest-kids-sports.html (last
visited Feb. 1, 2024).
2
American Heart Association Emergency Cardiovascular Care, What is CPR?, available at
https://cpr.heart.org/en/resources/what-is-cpr (last visited Feb. 1, 2024).
3
Occupational Safety and Health Administration, What is First Aid?, available at https://www.osha.gov/medical-first-
aid/recognition (last visited Feb. 1, 2024).
4
American Heart Association, What Is an Automated External Defibrillator?, available at https://www.heart.org/-
/media/files/health-topics/answers-by-heart/what-is-an-aed.pdf (last visited Jan. 30, 2024).
5
Supra note 2.
6
Supra note 4.
7
Section 1006.165(1)(a), F.S.
8
Section 1006.165(1)(b), F.S. BILL: CS/SB 830 Page 3
The location of each AED must be registered with a local emergency medical services medical
director. Each employee or volunteer required to complete the training must annually be notified
in writing of the location of each AED on school grounds.
9
Immunity from civil liability for the
use of AEDs by employees and volunteers is covered under the Good Samaritan Act
10
and the
Cardiac Arrest Survival Act.
11, 12
III. Effect of Proposed Changes:
The bill amends s. 1012.55, F.S., to require that a Florida public school athletic coach must hold
and maintain a certification in CPR, first aid, and the use of an AED. The certification must be
consistent with national, evidence-based emergency cardiovascular care guidelines.
The bill provides an effective date of July 1, 2024.
IV. Constitutional Issues:
A. Municipality/County Mandates Restrictions:
None.
B. Public Records/Open Meetings Issues:
None.
C. Trust Funds Restrictions:
None.
D. State Tax or Fee Increases:
None.
E. Other Constitutional Issues:
None.
V. Fiscal Impact Statement:
A. Tax/Fee Issues:
None.
B. Private Sector Impact:
None.
9
Section 1006.165(1)(c), F.S.
10
Section 768.13, F.S.
11
Section 768.1325, F.S.
12
Section 1006.165(d), F.S. BILL: CS/SB 830 Page 4
C. Government Sector Impact:
The bill does not have a fiscal impact on state expenditures. There could be an impact to
school districts to ensure the staff receive the required training.
VI. Technical Deficiencies:
None.
VII. Related Issues:
None.
VIII. Statutes Affected:
This bill substantially amends section 1012.55 of the Florida Statutes:
IX. Additional Information:
A. Committee Substitute – Statement of Substantial Changes:
(Summarizing differences between the Committee Substitute and the prior version of the bill.)
CS by Health Policy on January 30, 2024:
The committee substitute removes Section 1 of the underlying bill and retains only the
amendment to s. 1012.55, F.S., to update the qualifications of a Florida public school
athletic coach to include a certification in CPR, first aid, and the use of an AED.
B. Amendments:
None.
This Senate Bill Analysis does not reflect the intent or official position of the bill’s introducer or the Florida Senate.