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Bill

HB 2529

Relating to policies for the use of automated external defibrillators at schools; declaring an emergency.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Willy Chotzen and 3 co-sponsors

Oregon bill requiring schools to maintain accessible automated external defibrillators to improve survival rates for cardiac emergencies in student and staff populations.

In committee upon adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 2529

Legislative bill overview

HB 2529 establishes or strengthens policies requiring automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to be available and maintained at Oregon schools. The bill declares an emergency, suggesting urgent implementation. The measure aims to improve emergency response capabilities for sudden cardiac events in school settings.

Why is this important

Sudden cardiac arrest can strike students and staff without warning, and rapid defibrillation significantly increases survival rates—with every minute of delay reducing survival chances by approximately 10%. Schools serve thousands of children daily and are required to have trained staff and emergency equipment, making AED availability a potentially lifesaving public health measure.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Schools must purchase AEDs (typically $1,200-$2,500 per unit), maintain them, and train staff—raising questions about funding responsibility and burden on already-stretched school budgets
  • Training and liability requirements: Unclear whether the bill mandates staff CPR/AED training and who bears liability if devices malfunction or are misused
  • Emergency declaration rationale: The "emergency" designation bypasses normal legislative procedures and requires justification; unclear if this specific issue warrants expedited handling versus other school safety priorities

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

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