Schools; Dustin Rhodes and Lindsay Steed CPR Training Act; modifying frequency of training for certain school employees; effective date.
The bill amends existing statutes concerning the required training frequency for school personnel. It stipulates that each public school must have at least one certified teacher and one non-certified staff member trained in CPR and the Heimlich maneuver, with training mandated at least once every five years. Additionally, school districts are permitted to utilize state funds to finance this professional development, ultimately promoting a culture of preparedness and safety within schools.
House Bill 3125, known as the 'Dustin Rhodes and Lindsay Steed CPR Training Act,' focuses on enhancing the capabilities of school personnel in dealing with emergencies by mandating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. Under this bill, all students enrolled in public schools are required to receive CPR instruction at least once between the ninth grade and graduation. This instruction can be integrated into various courses offered in schools, providing flexibility in educational delivery while emphasizing the importance of life-saving skills.
Notably, the legislation allows school administrators to waive training requirements for students with disabilities and provides parents the option to exempt their children from CPR training upon written objection. This provision aims to accommodate diverse needs within the student population but also highlights potential debates regarding the necessity versus the right to opt-out of life-saving education. Furthermore, the bill includes protections for school districts and employees from liability related to training incidents, signaling an effort to encourage the implementation of CPR training without fear of legal repercussions.
Overall, HB3125 aims to standardize emergency response training in Oklahoma's public schools, fostering greater awareness and readiness in critical situations. By addressing both student requirements and staff training, the bill seeks to enhance the overall safety framework of public educational institutions.