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6/4/2026
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Assembly OKs Tikoian, Noret bill to expand defibrillator requirements, cardiac emergency response in schools
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STATE HOUSE — The General Assembly has passed legislation introduced by Senate Majority Whip David P. Tikoian and Rep. Thomas E. Noret that would expand the requirement of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in schools while establishing and implementing a cardiac emergency response (CERP) plan.
“The safety of students, student-athletes, staff and visitors should be a priority in every school — public or private,” said Senator Tikoian (D-Dist. 22, Smithfield, Lincoln, North Providence). “This bill will ensure that their safety is enhanced by a coordinated response plan where teams are trained and empowered to administer lifesaving care until emergency medical services arrive.”
The bill (2026-S 2079, 2026-H 7027) would build upon an existing law by making sure those plans are in place and staff is trained in the event of a cardiac emergency.
“Coaches and other visitors may not know what plans are in place for individual schools, so it’s imperative that there be someone on hand who has been trained in the administration of a CERP plan,” said Representative Noret (D-Dist. 25, Coventry, West Warwick). “This legislation is essential to make sure we always have a cardiac emergency response plan in place along with trained school personnel to actually administer this plan.”
Megan Tucker, a field advocate for the American Heart Association, testified in favor of the legislation, telling the Senate and House Education committees, “By passing this bill, you will close critical gaps and better position Rhode Island to respond to cardiac emergencies in schools and at school athletic venues and events across the state.”
The legislation is also supported by the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns and the Rhode Island Certified School Nurse Association.
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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