AN ACT to require THE PLACEMENT OF AUTOMATIC EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS (AEDs) in schools AND to provide TRAINING for SCHOOL PERSONNEL on the use of aeds and cpr.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  G.S. 115C‑12 is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:

(50)    Duty to Adopt Rules for Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs). – The State Board of Education shall adopt rules for the installation, use, and maintenance of AEDs in public school units. At a minimum, the rules shall include provisions for the following:

a.         Installation and placement of at least two AEDs in each school in a public school unit, with one AED being placed in a location identified by the State Board and one being placed in the school athletic facility or area.

b.         Implementation of an appropriate training course for public school personnel in the use of AEDs, including the role of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid.

c.         Proper maintenance and testing of the AEDs.

d.         Coordination with appropriate licensed professionals in the oversight of training on the AEDs.

e.         Coordination with local emergency medical systems regarding the placement of AEDs in school buildings.

SECTION 2.(a)  G.S. 115C‑47 is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:

(70)    Use of Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs). – Local boards of education shall develop policies for the installation, maintenance, and use of AEDs in accordance with rules developed by the State Board of Education pursuant to G.S. 115C‑12(50).

SECTION 2.(b)  G.S. 115C‑150.12C is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:

(37)    Use of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs). – The board of trustees shall develop policies for the installation, maintenance, and use of AEDs in accordance with rules developed by the State Board of Education pursuant to G.S. 115C‑12(50).

SECTION 2.(c)  G.S. 115C‑218.75 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:

(p)      Use of Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs). – Charter schools shall develop policies for the installation, maintenance, and use of AEDs in accordance with rules developed by the State Board of Education pursuant to G.S. 115C‑12(50).

SECTION 2.(d)  G.S. 115C‑238.66 is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:

(23)    Use of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs). – Regional schools shall develop policies for the installation, maintenance, and use of AEDs in accordance with rules developed by the State Board of Education pursuant to G.S. 115C‑12(50).

SECTION 2.(e)  G.S. 116‑11 is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:

(15)    The Board of Governors shall develop policies for all public secondary schools under the Board's jurisdiction for the installation, maintenance, and use of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) in accordance with rules developed by the State Board of Education pursuant to G.S. 115C‑12(50).

SECTION 3.  The governing body of a public school unit shall use the funds appropriated to it pursuant to G.S. 115C‑452 for the purchase, installation, maintenance, and training on the use of Automatic External Defibrillators, as required by this act.

SECTION 4.  This act is effective when it becomes law and applies beginning with the 2025‑2026 school year.