Subcommittee reports 'Stop the Bleed' training for high‑school graduates with one‑year delay (HB 941)

A House submission subcommittee reported HB 941, a bill that would ensure every Virginia high‑school graduate receives bleeding‑control (Stop the Bleed) training.

Sponsor Delegate Delia Clark said the training complements existing emergency first‑aid and CPR requirements and argued it is life‑saving in the critical minutes before first responders arrive. "Now we must ensure that our students know how to use them," Clark said, referencing bleeding control kits placed in schools under prior legislation.

Supporters included the Virginia Education Association and the Medical Society of Virginia; trauma surgeon Dr. Jessica Burgess said the Stop the Bleed course is a free, short course taught to all ages and would empower students with a lifelong skill. Opponents — including the Superintendents Association and the School Boards Association — expressed concerns about adding a graduation requirement, potential handling of body fluids and unfunded implementation burdens.

The subcommittee adopted an amendment delaying the effective date by one year to give schools time to prepare, then reported the bill as amended; the clerk recorded the vote 8 to 2. The bill was referred to appropriations.