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SB 344

Local Education Agencies - As enacted, requires at least one full-time employee at each school under the jurisdiction of an LEA or public charter school to annually receive training in seizure safety and first aid. - Amends TCA Title 49; Title 50 and Title 71.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Raumesh Akbari

Tennessee schools must designate at least one full-time employee per school to receive annual seizure safety and first aid training, effective July 2025.

Pub. Ch. 165
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Bill Summary · SB 344

Legislative bill overview

SB 344 requires at least one full-time employee at every school in Tennessee to complete annual training in seizure safety and first aid. The bill amends state education codes and takes effect July 1, 2025, applying to all public schools and public charter schools under local education agencies.

Why is this important

Seizures are medical emergencies that can occur in school settings, and rapid, appropriate response can prevent serious injury or death. By ensuring every school has at least one trained staff member, the bill aims to improve emergency response capacity and student safety during seizure incidents.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Schools must budget for annual training for at least one staff member per school, which may strain resources in under-funded districts
  • Staffing limitations: Requirement for "full-time employees" may be difficult in very small schools with minimal staff, and creates dependency if that trained person is absent
  • Training standards unclear: The bill doesn't specify which organizations provide accredited training, certification requirements, or what constitutes adequate training scope
  • One employee may be insufficient: A single trained person per school may not provide adequate coverage across multiple buildings, grade levels, or shift schedules

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

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