MT HB869

Schools with athletic programs must develop cardiac emergency response plans by the 2026-2027 school year, including establishing response teams, maintaining accessible AEDs at all athletic venues, and conducting annual drills

Coaches must obtain and maintain CPR, first aid, and AED certification and hold informational meetings for students, parents, and assistant coaches before each athletic season on cardiac arrest warning signs

Athletes removed from participation due to suspected cardiac arrest symptoms cannot return until cleared in writing by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner

$240,000 appropriated from the general fund for the 2025-2027 biennium, with the Office of Public Instruction administering a 1:1 matching grant program (up to $700 per device) to reimburse school districts for AED purchases and maintenance

AED purchases are added as an allowable expenditure under school major maintenance aid and school safety improvement funds