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H 2552

An Act relative to student heart health

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Andy Vargas

Requires hands-on CPR/AED training for graduation in MA, aligned with current ECC guidelines, with state grants to help districts, especially high-need ones.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 2552

Summary: H 2552 — An Act relative to student heart health

Overview
- Bill number: H 2552
- Title: An Act relative to student heart health
- Purpose: To update Massachusetts requirements on CPR/AED education and provide funding incentives for districts to implement hands-only CPR training with AED use as part of graduation requirements.
- Introduced: February 27, 2025
- Status: Referred to Public Health (February 27, 2025); subsequently reported favorably by committee and referred to House Ways and Means (October 27, 2025)
- Related: HD 3059 (replaces)

What the bill would change
- Graduation requirement for CPR/AED training
- Adds the use of automated external defibrillators (AED) to the scope of required resuscitation training.
- Requires instruction in hands-only CPR and AED use to follow the most current national evidence-based Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) guidelines.
- Requires incorporation of psychomotor skills development (hands-on practice and skills testing) as part of the graduation requirement.
- A licensed teacher would not be required to be a certified CPR trainer to facilitate or oversee instruction for non-certification; courses that certify students must be taught by an authorized CPR/AED instructor.

  • Funding and implementation (DESE discretionary grant program)
    • Establishes a discretionary grant program under the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to provide financial incentives to school districts that require psychomotor-skill-based CPR and AED training prior to graduation.
    • Incentive forms: mini-grants or subsidies to cover equipment and professional development for psychomotor-based CPR training and AED use.
    • Priority for high-need districts, defined as:
    • Where at least 50% of students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals, or
    • The district participates in Community Eligibility Provision or Universal Free Meals, or is otherwise designated high-need (Title I status).

Who is affected
- Students in Massachusetts public schools (all grade levels affected by graduation requirements).
- School districts and school personnel (teachers, administrators) who would implement hands-on CPR/AED instruction.
- DESE (as administrator of the grant program and guidance on ECC standards).
- CPR/AED instructors and training organizations (due to authorized-instructor requirement for certification programs).

Key provisions and details
- Instructional standards: Must align with the latest national ECC guidelines; emphasize psychomotor skill development.
- Certification nuance: Non-certification instruction may be facilitated by licensed teachers; certification courses must be conducted by authorized CPR/AED instructors.
- Funding linkage: The availability of incentives depends on appropriations; program scope is contingent on funding in the state budget.

Procedural and timeline notes
- Committee action: Referred to Public Health on 2/27/2025; reported favorably by committee and sent to House Ways and Means (10/27/2025).
- Hearings: Notable hearing schedule adjustments noted for July 2025 (re-scheduled dates indicate ongoing committee review).
- Legislative path: If approved by Ways and Means and the House, would move to the Senate for consideration; related bill HD 3059 is identified as a replacement.

This bill aims to enhance student readiness to respond to heart-health emergencies and support districts, especially high-need districts, in implementing hands-on CPR and AED training aligned with current guidelines.

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

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