House unanimously OKs bill to expand AED and 'Stop the Bleed' kits in Georgia schools

The Georgia House unanimously passed legislation to broaden access to life‑saving equipment in schools. House Bill 629 removes the requirement that a licensed physician be involved in establishing automated external defibrillator (AED) programs — allowing simpler deployment in elementary and middle schools — and adds "Stop the Bleed" trauma kits to the same location as AEDs. The sponsor said funding will come from the trauma commission, creating no additional fiscal impact on the state; the measure passed 168–0.

Representative Hawkins, presenting the bill, said AED technology has become more automated and easier to use in schools, and that rural districts often lack available physicians to satisfy the older requirement. "This will create more safety and save more lives in the schools and our children in the state," Hawkins said.

Members noted recent incidents where AEDs saved students' lives. Representative Newton recalled meeting a middle‑schooler revived by a defibrillator. Representative Carter and other members urged support; a parent in the gallery was recognized during debate to underscore the bill’s real‑world impact.

The committee substitute was adopted without objection, the House agreed to the committee's favorable report and passed the bill on a recorded vote of 168–0. The bill now moves to the Senate for further action.

Provenance: Topic introduced at SEG 1709; discussion and passage concluded at SEG 1823.

Speakers quoted or paraphrased: Representative Hawkins, Representative Newton, Representative Carter.