Oklahoma Senate Bill SB236

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Schools; directing establishment of certain grant program related to cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillators. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

The implementation of this grant program is contingent upon the allocation of $500,000 by the Legislature, earmarked specifically for the bill's provisions. This monetary support is critical, as it will fund the purchasing of AEDs, their maintenance, and the necessary trainings. If appropriated, the program could lead to a significant upgrade in health and safety protocols within schools, empowering staff to respond effectively in critical situations, thereby aligning state education policies with enhanced public health measures.

Summary

Senate Bill 236 establishes a grant program directed by the State Board of Education aimed at enhancing school safety through cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training and acquisition of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The bill stipulates that public school districts and public charter schools can apply for grants to finance the purchase and maintenance of AEDs, as well as to provide training for school employees on their usage and for CPR techniques. The program is designed to ensure that educational institutions are better prepared for health emergencies on campus, potentially saving lives through immediate response capabilities.

Contention

Potential points of contention surrounding SB236 may include the allocation of state funds and the dependency on future legislative appropriations. Legislators may debate the sufficiency of the proposed funds and whether this amount adequately addresses the needs of all public schools across Oklahoma. Additionally, there could be discussions about the equity of access to these resources, particularly for schools in underserved areas, ensuring that all students benefit from enhanced safety measures without disparity.