Committee backs bill requiring cardiac emergency plans and AED access in Wyoming schools

Representative Veil presented House Bill 115 to require school districts to establish cardiac emergency response plans aligned with nationally recognized evidence-based practices, to place identified and accessible AEDs in schools, and to require regular training for school nurses, coaches, and other appropriate personnel. The sponsor said the bill includes a state appropriation from the school foundation account to help districts purchase AEDs and maintain them.

Multiple witnesses testified in strong support. Jackie Evans of the American Heart Association said schools with cardiac plans can double survival chances and stressed rural schools may need help procuring AEDs. Zachary Olivares, president of the Wyoming Athletic Trainers Association, described a Douglas High School activation where a practiced plan and an on-site AED restored a student’s pulse and later allowed him to sign a college letter of intent. Emerson Kelly, a survivor who collapsed at age 10, said the school's plan and a prompt AED shock saved her life.

Several educators and medical professionals emphasized training and maintenance: Toni Decklever, an American Heart Association training-center owner, urged hands-on CPR training and regular AED checks; Katie Law, a Fremont County principal and certified instructor, supported the bill but cautioned about staff workload to implement training and planning. Representative Bratton expressed a policy objection, calling the measure a state mandate that oversteps local school-board control; he voted no in the final roll call.

The committee approved HB 115 by roll call (six ayes, one no, two excused) and adjourned. The bill proceeds to the next legislative step.