Cardiopulmonary resuscitation training and automated external defibrillator training for coaches required.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ned Carroll and 5 co-sponsors

Requires middle/high school athletic coaches to complete CPR and AED training every two years starting 2027-2028, with civil liability protections for proper use.

Authors added Repinski and Carroll

#athletics #educationandeducationdepartment

Purpose and intent

HF 3784 would require CPR and AED training for middle and high school athletic coaches and assistant coaches employed by Minnesota school districts or charter schools, starting in the 2027-2028 school year. The bill aims to ensure coaches are prepared to respond to cardiac emergencies and use AEDs, with protections from civil liability when acting within the scope of employment (subject to standard exceptions).

Key provisions

CPR and AED training mandate

Beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, all middle and high school athletic coaches and assistant coaches employed by a school district or charter school must obtain and maintain current training in:
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
The use of an automated external defibrillator (AED)
After initial training, coaches must receive updated training at least every two calendar years.
Training must align with national, evidence-based Emergency Cardiovascular Care guidelines.

Liability protection

Individuals who perform CPR or use an AED in the course of their employment as athletic coaches are shielded from civil liability for damages arising from acts or omissions in that performance, with exceptions. The protections do not apply to acts or omissions that constitute gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.

Implementation timeline

Effective implementation begins in the 2027-2028 school year for all required coaches and assistants.

Who would be affected

Primary group affected

High school and middle school athletic coaches and assistant coaches employed by Minnesota school districts or charter schools.

Other implications

School districts/charter schools would need to ensure access to CPR/AED training resources and maintain records demonstrating compliance for their coaching staff.
Training programs must be based on current national guidelines and be refreshed biennially.

Procedural and timeline considerations

Enactment and effective date

The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 121A.241, adding a new subdivision (Subd. 3) detailing the CPR and AED requirements.
The formal implementation for compliance starts with the 2027-2028 school year.

Legal framework

The bill provides a qualified protection from civil liability for coaches who act within the scope of their duties when delivering CPR or using an AED, subject to standard exceptions for gross negligence or willful/wanton misconduct.

Observations and potential implementation questions

How districts will verify and document ongoing biennial training (record-keeping requirements, acceptable training providers, and proof of current certification).

Whether there will be any transitional accommodations or phased-in requirements for districts with limited access to training resources in the initial years.

The interplay with existing CPR/AED training requirements for school employees or athletic staff, and any anticipated administrative guidance.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary for a policy brief, a stakeholder memo, or a one-page handout with a checklist for districts.

Bill