Committee approves amendment for defibrillator plans at school events

The North Dakota State Legislature's Senate Education Committee convened on April 7, 2025, to discuss proposed amendments regarding safety measures at school events. The meeting, which lasted from 9:59 AM to 10:40 AM, focused primarily on the placement of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) and the development of emergency plans for school-based events.

The committee began by addressing a proposal to place AEDs in easily accessible locations at all school events and venues. Senator Axman clarified that this would replace an existing provision, ensuring that the new language would enhance safety measures without removing further requirements.

Following this, the committee discussed an amendment that would modify the language in the legislation concerning emergency plans. Senator Gearhart proposed adding "owned facilities" to the definition of school grounds, emphasizing the need for comprehensive coverage of all school-related activities. The committee agreed to strike certain phrases to streamline the language, ensuring that plans would encompass both school-owned facilities and athletic venues.

A significant point of discussion arose regarding the flexibility of the proposed mandates. Senator Gearhart expressed concerns about the rigidity of requiring plans for all events, suggesting that the word "shall" be changed to "may" in the legislation. This change would allow schools more discretion in developing their emergency plans, particularly for events like marching band parades, which may not traditionally be associated with such requirements.

The committee voted on the amendment to change "shall" to "may," which passed unanimously with six votes in favor and none against. This decision reflects a consensus on the need for safety while acknowledging the practical challenges schools face in implementing these mandates.

In conclusion, the Senate Education Committee's meeting highlighted a commitment to enhancing safety at school events through the strategic placement of AEDs and the development of flexible emergency plans. The amendments passed during the meeting will allow schools to better tailor their safety measures to the specific needs of various events, ensuring a balance between safety and practicality. Further discussions and follow-up actions are anticipated as the committee continues to refine these proposals.