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SF 2474

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the Iowa dyslexia board and requiring the department of education to prepare a report related to cardiac emergency response plans and automated external defibrillators.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa requires Department of Education to report on school cardiac emergency preparedness and AED availability to inform legislative policy decisions.

NOBA: Final
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Bill Summary · SF 2474

Legislative bill overview

SF 2474 requires Iowa's Department of Education to develop and submit a comprehensive report to the legislature regarding cardiac emergency response plans and the availability/deployment of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in schools. The bill passed the Senate unanimously and is moving through the appropriations process, suggesting potential funding implications for implementation.

Why is this important

Sudden cardiac arrest can be fatal within minutes, and AEDs significantly improve survival rates when deployed quickly in schools where children and staff gather. This report would establish baseline data on current preparedness levels across Iowa schools and identify gaps in cardiac emergency infrastructure, informing future policy and funding decisions to protect student and staff safety.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost burden on schools: Schools may face unfunded mandates to purchase AEDs and train staff, straining already tight education budgets without state funding guarantees
  • Implementation clarity: The report's requirements and timeline are unclear—whether schools must implement recommendations immediately or if this is purely informational could create confusion
  • Equity concerns: Well-funded districts may already have AED programs while underfunded rural or urban schools lag behind, potentially widening safety disparities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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