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Bill

SB 219

Public Schools - Airway Clearing Device Availability and Use - Policy (Bowen Levy Airway Clearing Device Act)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Johnny Salling

Maryland schools must establish policies ensuring availability of airway clearing devices and trained personnel to respond to student airway emergencies.

Hearing 2/18 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 219

Legislative bill overview

SB 219 requires Maryland public schools to establish policies and procedures for the availability and use of airway clearing devices (such as manually-operated suction devices) in school settings. The bill, named after Bowen Levy, aims to ensure schools have equipment and trained personnel to respond to airway emergencies among students.

Why is this important

Students with certain medical conditions, disabilities, or those at risk of choking require immediate airway clearance to prevent serious injury or death. Without standardized school policies and equipment, response times to airway emergencies may be delayed, potentially resulting in tragic outcomes. This bill addresses a critical gap in emergency preparedness at schools.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and implementation burden: Schools must purchase equipment and train staff, creating budget pressures on already-strained school districts
  • Liability and medical authority: Questions about whether school personnel (non-medical staff) should perform airway clearing and who bears liability if complications occur
  • Scope and specificity: The bill's exact requirements for which devices, staff training standards, and procedures may be unclear, creating compliance challenges

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

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