Committee advances bill to allow anti‑choking devices in schools after emotional testimony from mother

The House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection advanced House Bill 335, a bill to allow schools and other government facilities to possess anti‑choking devices and to limit liability consistent with existing Good Samaritan protections.

Representative Candy Massaroni, sponsor of HB335, said the bill is "super simple" and noted it passed unanimously in the previous session. Lauren McCubbins testified about her son, Landon ("Lennon") Willard McCubbins, who died after choking at Boston Elementary on Nov. 21, 2022. In emotional testimony she said emergency protocols failed her son and that an anti‑choking device might have given him a chance to survive.

Representative Massaroni explained devices permitted by the bill would include training videos and written directions, and she emphasized the devices would be optional and a matter of local control for each school. During questioning, Representative Bratcher asked whether the LifeVac donation program that offered one free device to any Kentucky school is still available; Massaroni said the program offered a free device last year and may still do so.

The committee held a roll call and Chair McCool announced HB335 passed with a favorable expression and will proceed to the House floor.