Maine 2025-2026 Regular Session

Maine Senate Bill LD587

Introduced
2/19/25  
Refer
2/19/25  
Engrossed
6/5/25  
Enrolled
6/9/25  

Caption

An Act to Require School Boards to Adopt a Policy on Automated External Defibrillator Access at School-sponsored Athletic Events

Impact

The bill significantly impacts school policies by establishing a legal requirement for each school to have a cardiac emergency response plan that aligns with guidelines from recognized health organizations. It further stipulates the integration of these plans within local emergency medical services protocols. By doing so, LD587 seeks to enhance the safety and preparedness of school environments, ensuring that vital resources and trained personnel are available to act swiftly in emergencies involving cardiovascular incidents.

Summary

LD587, titled 'An Act to Require Cardiac Emergency Response Plans and Athletic Emergency Action Plans for Schools and School-sponsored Athletic Events', mandates that all school administrative units develop comprehensive cardiac emergency response plans starting in the 2026-2027 school year. This legislation addresses the urgent need for preparedness in schools to respond effectively to incidents of sudden cardiac arrest or similar life-threatening emergencies on school grounds. Plans must include the formation of response teams, training for personnel, and the placement of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in accessible locations.

Sentiment

The sentiment around LD587 appears to be largely positive, with many advocates emphasizing the importance of increased safety measures in educational settings. Proponents argue that the bill reflects a proactive approach to safeguard students' health during athletic activities and other school functions. However, there could be discussions on potential funding and logistical challenges related to the implementation of such plans, particularly for economically disadvantaged schools.

Contention

While most stakeholders seem to support the intent behind LD587, there are concerns about the practical implications of mandating these changes. Critics worry about the financial and operational burdens that might be placed on less affluent school districts. Additionally, discussions around the adequacy of existing training programs and resources needed for effective implementation may arise, particularly around how schools will manage the training of staff and maintenance of AEDs.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ME LD892

An Act to Improve School Safety and Preparedness Through Comprehensive Health and Safety and Emergency Management Planning

ME LD867

An Act Regarding Undesignated Ready-to-use Glucagon Rescue Therapies in Schools

ME LD1955

An Act to Require Hospitals to Provide Accessible Financial Assistance for Medical Care

ME LD1699

An Act to Amend the Freedom of Access Act and Related Provisions

ME LD202

An Act to Clarify the Requirements for Adult Use Cannabis Stores to Transact Sales at Specified Events

ME LD1741

An Act to Promote Educational Opportunity Through the Educational Choice Tax Credit Program, Eliminating Certain Restrictions on Charter Schools and Virtual Public Charter Schools, Allowing More Entities to Authorize Charter Schools and Clarifying Educational Policy on Immunization Requirements

ME LD1728

An Act to Ensure Access to Federally Approved Opioid Overdose-reversing Medication

ME LD1643

An Act Regarding Instructional Materials, Surveys, Analyses, Evaluations and Events at Public Schools

ME LD1742

An Act to Enhance the Use of Critical Incident Stress Management Teams and to Require Peer Team Support

ME LD1128

An Act to Address Student Hunger and Nutrition Through Expanded Access to Free Milk in Schools

Similar Bills

SC H3576

Luke Barrett Act

SC H3831

Smart Heart Act

PA SB512

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.

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.

AR HB1643

To Require Automated External Defibrillators At Certain School-sponsored Sporting Events And On Campuses Of Institutions Of Higher Education.

HI HB1178

Relating To Education.

GA HB874

Schools; automated external defibrillators; require

PA HB1203

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.