Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB619

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/11/25
• Refer: 4/11/25

Caption

In school health services, further providing for sudden cardiac arrest and electrocardiogram testing.

Impact

If enacted, SB 619 would amend the Public School Code of 1949 to reinforce existing laws around the supervision of athletic activities. It would necessitate the training and certification of coaches and certain school employees, enabling them to effectively respond to cardiovascular incidents that may occur during athletic contests or practices. This legislative change is expected to create a more robust safety network for students engaged in sports and related activities, ultimately contributing to greater awareness and response strategies concerning sudden cardiac events.

Summary

Senate Bill 619, introduced to enhance school health services, specifically addresses the requirements for sudden cardiac arrest awareness and electrocardiogram testing. The proposal mandates that each year, coaches of athletic activities complete training related to sudden cardiac arrest and maintain certifications in both cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). These measures aim to ensure that staff overseeing school-sponsored athletic events are well-prepared to handle cardiac emergencies, thus promoting the safety of student athletes across Pennsylvania.

Sentiment

The response to SB 619 has generally been positive, with support focused on the necessity of training to mitigate the risks associated with sudden cardiac events among student athletes. Educators and health advocates view the bill as a proactive approach to student safety. However, discussions may reveal some concerns regarding the feasibility of implementing the training requirements and ensuring that all school entities can meet these standards effectively, especially in under-resourced districts.

Contention

Opposition to the bill, while not prominently documented, may arise from concerns about the administrative burden placed on school districts to implement and track ongoing training requirements. Some stakeholders might argue that while the intent is noble, the logistics of maintaining certification records and ensuring that all staff comply could prove challenging. Furthermore, discussions surrounding funding for such training programs may also surface, with advocates for equal access seeking assurances that all schools can meet the new standards without compromising other educational resources.