Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Safety Medical topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee approves bill to create state grant program for anti‑choking devices in schools and public settings
Summary
Senators voted unanimously to advance legislation that would require the Department of Health to establish a grant program to reimburse schools and responders for anti‑choking devices; supporters cited local donor work and a $166,000 appropriation discussed.
The Senate Education Committee voted 8‑0 to advance Senate Bill 13 91, a measure that would direct the Tennessee Department of Health to establish and administer a grant program by July 1, 2025, to reimburse local education agencies, public charter and private schools, and medical first responders for the cost of anti‑choking devices.
Sponsor Senator Watson opened with a brief video and described the devices as life‑saving tools used for severe airway obstruction. The bill’s amendment permits the Department of Health to use a reasonable portion of appropriated funds for program administration; the measure then was referred to the finance committee for funding review.
Committee members asked about the program’s likely cost. Senator Watson and others referenced a fiscal figure discussed in committee — roughly $166,000 — and said the measure would be considered in the finance committee along with other budget items. Supporters noted that similar donation efforts in Hamilton County have placed devices in restaurants and other public venues; proponents said the devices have been credited with more than 3,000 lives saved nationally, with several living in Hamilton County.
The committee adopted the administrative amendment and sent the bill to finance for consideration of funding arrangements.
