WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1398

TO REQUIRE SCHOOLS TO SUPPORT, ESTABLISH, AND IMPLEMENT A CARDIAC EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN THAT INTEGRATES NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED ELEMENTS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lee Johnson and 1 co-sponsor

Arkansas requires schools to establish standardized cardiac emergency response plans with AED access and trained responders to improve survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest.

Notification that HB1398 is now Act 352
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1398

Legislative bill overview

HB 1398, now Act 352 in Arkansas, requires all schools to develop, establish, and implement comprehensive cardiac emergency response plans based on nationally recognized standards. The legislation mandates schools integrate evidence-based protocols for identifying and responding to sudden cardiac events among students and staff.

Why is this important

Sudden cardiac arrest can strike without warning in young, apparently healthy individuals during school hours. Having standardized emergency response plans significantly improves survival rates—quick access to defibrillators (AEDs) and trained responders can be the difference between life and death. This law ensures schools across Arkansas follow consistent, proven protocols rather than relying on ad-hoc or absent procedures.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Schools must acquire/maintain AEDs, conduct staff training, and develop documentation—requiring budget allocation in districts already facing financial constraints
  • Liability and legal responsibility: Clarification needed on school liability if cardiac events occur despite having plans in place, and whether plans create legal obligations beyond reasonable care standards
  • Standardization burden: Defining what "nationally recognized elements" means and ensuring compliance across diverse school districts of varying resources and capacity

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

Sign in to ask a question.