H.R. 4926 would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a grant program for automated external defibrillators in schools.
Detailed Summary
Josh Miller Helping Everyone Access Responsive Treatment in Schools Act of 2008, or the Josh Miller HEARTS Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award matching grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) to: (1) purchase automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for use in their schools; and/or (2) provide training to meet the grant requirement that at least five adult employees or volunteers at each school where an AED is to be used successfully complete training in its use and in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Requires LEA grant applicants also to demonstrate that: (1) the AEDs are integrated into the schools' emergency response procedures; and (2) emergency services personnel are notified of their locations.
Requires LEA grantees to provide nonfederal matching funds equal to at least 25% of their grant, unless 20% or more of the children they serve come from impoverished families.
Gives grant priority to schools that: (1) lack an AED; (2) typically have a significant number of students, staff, and visitors present during the day; (3) generally have a longer wait for emergency medical services than other public facilities in the community; and (4) have not received funds under the Rural Access to Emergency Devices Act.
Authorizes appropriations for the grant program for FY2008-FY2013.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 6/10/2008: Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
Chris Jackson
What a great initiative. Please support and save lives in the memory of Josh Miller.
Jan Jackson
Let this be the good that comes out of a horrible tragedy.
Janet Maczko
Voting in favor of this act is a small thing to do, that will have a big inpact! A defibrillator in every school could save the life a child! Josh would be pleased.
Amanda Fedder
A close friend of mine died of sudden cardiac arrest during a JV Basketball game at 16 years of age on 1/12/2000. I was there the entire time and Cal had already passed away by the time EMTs arrived at the school; there was no AED on site. This is such a small step that can save MANY lives!!