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HB 2534

Requiring school districts to provide fentanyl abuse education programs and maintain a supply of naloxone in all schools, requiring the department of education to establish guidelines for active shooter drills conducted by public and accredited nonpublic elementary and secondary schools, regulating active shooter simulations in such schools and modifying the requirements for student cohorts and achievement goals in school district at-risk student accountability plans.

2025-2026 Regular Session

HB 2534 allows respiratory therapists licensed in one state to practice across multiple compact member states without separate state licensing, improving workforce mobility.

Reengrossed on Tuesday, March 31, 2026
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Bill Summary · HB 2534

Legislative bill overview

HB 2534 would enact the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, allowing respiratory therapists licensed in one state to practice in other compact member states without obtaining separate state licenses. This creates a multistate licensing framework similar to existing compacts for nurses and other healthcare professionals.

Why is this important

Respiratory therapists are critical healthcare workers, especially in emergency and critical care settings. This compact could address healthcare workforce shortages by enabling mobility across state lines, potentially improving access to respiratory care services in underserved areas and reducing licensing barriers during public health emergencies.

Potential points of contention

  • Licensing standards variation: Different states have varying educational and continuing education requirements; the compact must balance reciprocity with maintaining quality standards
  • Patient safety and accountability: Questions about which state's regulations apply and how disciplinary actions are coordinated across multiple jurisdictions
  • Economic impacts on local labor: Some states may see outflow of respiratory therapists to higher-paying neighboring states, affecting workforce stability and hospital staffing levels

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

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