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Bill

SB 1551

Relating to the availability of automated external defibrillators at public schools.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Carol Alvarado and 3 co-sponsors

Texas bill requires public schools to install and maintain automated external defibrillators to improve emergency cardiac response capacity for students and staff.

Referred to Public Education
#defibrillators(s0091) #education--primary&secondary--general(i0230) #health--otherdiseases&medicalconditions(i0383) #minors--health&safety(i0533)
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Bill Summary · SB 1551

Legislative bill overview

SB 1551 requires public schools in Texas to have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) available on campus and establishes standards for their placement, maintenance, and accessibility. The bill aims to ensure rapid response capability for sudden cardiac events among students and staff during school hours and school-related activities.

Why is this important

Sudden cardiac arrest can be fatal within minutes, and AEDs dramatically increase survival rates when deployed immediately. Schools serve as gathering places for thousands of children and adults daily, making them logical locations for life-saving equipment. Current Texas law does not mandate AED availability at all public schools, creating potentially dangerous gaps in emergency response infrastructure.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding responsibility: Schools must purchase, install, and maintain AEDs; the bill does not specify whether the state provides funding or if this becomes a local budget burden
  • Liability and training requirements: Questions remain about who is liable if an AED malfunctions or is used improperly, and whether staff training mandates will increase operational costs
  • Implementation timeline: New mandates without adequate transition periods could strain already stretched school budgets and administrative resources

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

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