Illinois lawmakers have taken a significant step toward improving student safety with the advancement of a new bill aimed at strengthening schools’ readiness for cardiac emergencies. House Bill 3275, which recently passed the House with broad bipartisan support, would require schools across the state to implement comprehensive cardiac emergency response plans and ensure key staff are trained to save lives.

Under the proposed legislation, all paid head coaches and chief sponsors of athletic activities in both public and private schools would be required to maintain up-to-date certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The training must adhere to nationally recognized, evidence-based guidelines.

The bill also mandates that every school district and private school develop a detailed Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP). The plan would outline step-by-step procedures for handling cardiac emergencies on school property, ensure AEDs are accessible and properly maintained at all school events, and require regular training for staff members on recognizing the signs of sudden cardiac arrest and administering life-saving interventions.

A key component of the legislation is the formation of a trained cardiac emergency response team in each school, as well as the requirement to conduct annual cardiac emergency drills in coordination with local emergency medical services. These drills, which may be held without student participation, are designed to ensure staff are prepared to act swiftly and effectively in real-life situations.

If signed into law, the new requirements would take effect on January 1, 2026. The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.