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H 572

An Act relative to cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automatic external defibrillator education in public schools

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 5 co-sponsors

Massachusetts public schools must teach all students CPR and AED use, expanding emergency response capacity but requiring implementation funding and curriculum adjustments.

Reporting date extended to Wednesday, March 18, 2026
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Bill Summary · H 572

Legislative bill overview

H 572 mandates that all public schools in Massachusetts provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automatic external defibrillator (AED) training to students. The bill establishes education requirements and standards for these life-saving techniques across the school system.

Why is this important

Sudden cardiac arrest can occur in young people during school hours, and immediate CPR and AED use significantly improve survival rates. Widespread student training creates a larger pool of people capable of responding to cardiac emergencies both in schools and in their communities, potentially saving lives.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Schools must acquire AED devices, maintain them, and provide instructor training, creating budget demands on already-stretched school systems
  • Curriculum time allocation: Adding mandatory CPR/AED training requires classroom time that competes with existing academic subjects and requirements
  • Liability concerns: Schools may face questions about liability when students use AEDs or perform CPR, requiring clear legal protections and training standards
  • Equity of access: Rural and under-resourced schools may struggle more to implement comprehensive programs compared to well-funded districts

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

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