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Bill

SB 377

Requiring cardiac emergency response plans at all recreational youth facilities, including the placement of automatic external defibrillators.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas bill requires all youth recreational facilities to install AEDs and establish cardiac emergency response plans to improve survival rates from sudden cardiac events.

Died in Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 377

Legislative bill overview

SB 377 mandates that all recreational youth facilities in Kansas develop and implement cardiac emergency response plans and install automatic external defibrillators (AEDs). The bill establishes a framework requiring facilities to have trained personnel, established protocols, and accessible equipment in case of sudden cardiac events affecting young athletes and participants.

Why is this important

Sudden cardiac arrest can strike young, seemingly healthy individuals during athletic activity, and survival rates improve dramatically with rapid AED access and CPR. This bill addresses a documented public health gap by standardizing emergency preparedness across youth recreational spaces, potentially preventing deaths that are currently preventable with proper equipment and protocols.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost burden on facilities: Small, independent recreational organizations may face significant expenses for AED equipment, maintenance, staff training, and plan development, potentially affecting program accessibility or affordability
  • Liability and compliance complexity: Unclear definitions of "recreational youth facilities" could create disputes over which venues are covered; unclear who bears liability if plans are inadequate or AEDs malfunction
  • Implementation feasibility: Rural facilities and smaller organizations may struggle to find certified trainers or afford ongoing staff certification requirements needed to maintain compliance

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

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