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House rejects bill to fund hands-on CPR and AED training in schools
Summary
Representative Moss’ proposal to fund hands‑on CPR/first‑response training for high school health classes failed on the floor after members debated funding, certification and whether the program is an unfunded mandate; vote 34-39.
The Utah House on March 4 voted 34-39 against House Bill 307, a measure that would have created a grant process to restore funding for hands-on CPR and AED (first-response) training in high school health classes.
Representative Moss, sponsor of HB307, said the bill would not add curriculum requirements but would provide a reliable funding source for training that was previously funded through a federal grant that ended in 2008. She described the program as voluntary and explained the funds would support bringing in trained instructors, buying or supplying mannequins and maintaining a part-time coordinator to oversee grants and training.
Members questioned what the funding would pay for and whether teachers would be required to become certified instructors. Representative Moss said the money would typically pay for trainers from nonprofits or local emergency-training councils, equipment such as mannequins, and oversight to ensure funds go directly to the program. Representative Ray emphasized the life-saving value of CPR during floor remarks, saying "CPR is so, so important," and urged support.
Opponents remained concerned about allocating education funds, existing curricular priorities and whether the requested $200,000 (mentioned in discussion as an illustrative figure) was appropriate. Representative Moss said the program was not intended to be a mandate on schools that already provide training.
Because the bill failed on the floor, it will be filed and not advanced this session.
