Committee backs HB256 to require AED accessibility at school athletic events
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Summary
The committee recommended a due pass for HB256 after testimony from health experts and education officials noting that AEDs and emergency plans improve survival rates in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest; the bill would require at least one AED available at athletic events and clear AED placement in schools.
The House Education Committee moved and approved a due-pass recommendation on House Bill 256, which would amend the Emergency Medication in Schools Act to require that schools include cardiac emergency situations in athletic-event emergency plans and ensure accessible, clearly marked automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) during athletic activities.
Representative Pamela Herndon said the bill would require schools to determine multiple appropriate locations for AEDs or make them readily available during athletic events. Mahesh Sikka of the American Heart Association told the committee that a substantial share of cardiac arrests occur at sports facilities and that having AEDs and trained responders at events improves survival odds.
Dr. Gloria Doherty, a nurse practitioner representing school nursing organizations, told the committee that out-of-hospital survival for children experiencing sudden cardiac arrest is low — she cited a 10 percent survival rate outside hospitals — and said that having an AED can increase survival to about 70 percent and that a formal emergency plan can raise that to about 85 percent.
Bonnie Lightfoot of the New Mexico School Superintendents Association said most schools hosting state tournaments already comply with AED requirements but noted potential budget and logistical concerns for some middle schools; she said 156 of 158 member schools were compliant with relevant requirements in 2024–25.
During committee questioning, members asked how many AEDs would be required for schools that host simultaneous events and whether the bill would carry state funding; sponsor representatives said the bill requests at least one AED be located in each school and at least one available at athletic events (the school AED may be used if it can be moved) and acknowledged districts would determine the precise logistics.
A committee member moved a due-pass recommendation and the committee approved the measure. The bill will continue through the legislative process for further consideration.
