ME LD587

School administrative units must develop cardiac emergency response plans beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, including establishment of response teams, AED placement in occupied buildings, CPR and AED training for personnel, and annual practice drills

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) must be placed in unlocked locations in all school buildings and athletic venues, with signage and positioning to enable use within 3 minutes of a cardiac emergency

Coaches, school nurses, and athletic trainers must participate in CPR and AED training; schools must integrate their cardiac response plans with local emergency medical services protocols

Athletic emergency action plans addressing venue-specific responses to sudden cardiac arrest during practices and events must be included in each school board's comprehensive health and safety plan

$1,800,000 one-time General Fund appropriation in FY2026-27 for implementation, with funding priority to schools where at least 50% of students are economically disadvantaged