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

Whereas, the critical importance of having an AED in the building and the quick action of those who are trained to use it was demonstrated in our NC General Assembly building on April 2, 2009; and

Whereas, on that date the life of our member, Rep. Becky Carney, was saved because there was access to an AED and there were personnel trained to administer it; Now, therefore,

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  This Act may be cited as The Rep. Becky Carney Cardiac Arrest Act.

SECTION 1.5.  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 one AED in each school in a public school unit, 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 AEDs in accordance with rules developed by the State Board of Education pursuant to G.S. 115C‑12(50).

SECTION 3.  The State Board of Education may adopt emergency rules in accordance with G.S. 150B‑21.1A to implement this act for the 2025‑2026 school year.

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