Missouri House Bill HB1487

Missouri 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/3/24
• Refer: 2/1/24

Caption

Requires bleeding control kits in all public school and charter school classrooms

Impact

If passed, HB1487 will significantly impact school safety regulations by integrating a systematic approach to managing traumatic injuries within educational environments. Schools will be responsible for maintaining their bleeding control kits, which must include specific items such as tourniquets and instructional materials. Additionally, the bill stipulates that designated school personnel receive training in the use of these kits, promoting a culture of preparedness and responsiveness among staff. This initiative reflects a growing trend in prioritizing health and safety measures in educational settings in response to public demand for better emergency readiness.

Summary

House Bill 1487, known as the 'Stop the Bleed Act', mandates that all public and charter schools in Missouri equip their classrooms with bleeding control kits. The bill aims to enhance emergency preparedness in schools by ensuring that essential medical supplies are readily available for use in the event of traumatic injuries that may lead to significant blood loss. The legislation is a response to calls for improved safety protocols following several tragic incidents where timely medical intervention could have mitigated outcomes. Schools are required to implement this protocol by the end of the 2024-25 school year.

Contention

While the bill has support from many legislators who advocate for increased safety measures in schools, there are points of contention regarding the implementation. Critics may raise concerns about the costs associated with acquiring and maintaining the kits as well as the logistics of training school personnel. Moreover, debates may focus on whether the state government should mandate such measures or leave them to local school districts to decide based on their specific needs. The requirement could also spark discussions about liability protections for school personnel utilizing these supplies during emergencies.