An Act providing hands only CPR training and the use of defibrillators
This bill requires all Massachusetts public high schools to teach hands-only CPR and automated external defibrillator use as part of the physical or health education curriculum for grades 9 through 12. To meet this requirement, school districts must choose a free training program based on a nationally recognized standard that includes hands-on practice for every student. Participation is mandatory for graduation, but students can be exempted if a doctor certifies that the training would be harmful to them or if a parent or guardian submits a written objection. The law will take effect on September 1, 2025.
Bill status
passed
3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
House Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023
Last action Feb 8, 2024
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the House. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
5
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 16, 2023
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Education
upper
1 primary · 11 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Mike Rush
DDemocratic
Co
Adam Gómez
DDemocratic
Co
Anne M. Gobi
DDemocratic
Co
Jamie Eldridge
DDemocratic
Co
Jim Hawkins
DDemocratic
Co
Joan Lovely
DDemocratic
Co
Mike Moore
DDemocratic
Co
Pat Jehlen
DDemocratic
Co
Patrick O'Connor
RRepublican
Co
Paul Feeney
DDemocratic
Co
Paul McMurtry
DDemocratic
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