NC S278

Requires each public school unit in North Carolina to develop a cardiac emergency response plan (CERP) that establishes a response team, identifies staff for annual CPR and AED training, includes annual practice drills, and coordinates with local emergency services.

Mandates installation of at least one Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) in every public school, placed in an unlocked location with signage, accessible within three minutes.

Applies to local boards of education, charter schools, regional schools, and UNC Board of Governors for any public secondary schools under their jurisdiction.

Appropriates $2,000,000 in nonrecurring funds from the General Fund for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to the Department of Public Instruction for purchasing AEDs and developing emergency response plans.

Becomes effective July 1, 2025, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.