TO AMEND THE SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST PREVENTION ACT; AND TO MODIFY THE REQUIREMENTS FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN SCHOOL DISTRICTS RELATED TO SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST.

SB 226 amends Arkansas' Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act to require school district coaches and similar staff (athletics coaches, teacher coaches, volunteers) to maintain current CPR/AED certification from recognized organizations like the American Red Cross or American Heart Association, in addition to completing every three years a training program on sudden cardiac arrest conditions. The law directly affects school coaches and staff in Arkansas public schools, mandating this certification as part of their professional development requirements. It also allows training programs to include guidance for coaches to educate parents about sports safety. The bill, now Act 247, focuses on strengthening cardiac emergency preparedness in school athletic settings through concrete certification and training standards.