The Senate Finance Committee convened on March 16, 2025, to discuss House Bill 54, which aims to enhance safety in New Mexico high schools by mandating the installation of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). The meeting, led by Representative Herndon, focused on the bill's provisions, costs, and implications for school safety.

Representative Herndon introduced the bill, which seeks to amend the Emergency Medication in Schools Act to include AEDs. The legislation requires schools to install these life-saving devices and train staff in their use. Mohesh Sipa from the American Heart Association provided expert testimony, emphasizing the importance of AEDs in responding to sudden cardiac arrest.

Committee members raised questions regarding the operational aspects of AEDs, including their safety features and the training required for staff. It was clarified that AEDs are designed to assess a person's condition and administer shocks only when necessary, minimizing the risk of misuse. The discussion also highlighted the existing training for coaches and the need for broader staff involvement in emergency response plans.

The financial implications of the bill were a significant point of discussion. The estimated cost for each AED is approximately $2,400, with additional training expenses projected at $780,000. Funding for the initiative is proposed through Senate Bill 494, which allocates $150,000 annually for three years to support the implementation of AEDs in public high schools, with plans to extend to elementary and middle schools in subsequent years.

Concerns about liability were also addressed, particularly regarding the legal protections for school staff using AEDs in emergencies. The committee discussed the Good Samaritan law and its implications for liability in cases where AEDs are used, emphasizing the importance of having a safety plan in place to limit potential legal repercussions.

As the meeting concluded, the committee moved to a vote on the bill, with a majority in favor of advancing it. The discussions underscored the critical role of AEDs in enhancing student safety and the need for comprehensive training and maintenance plans to ensure their effective use in emergencies. The committee's next steps will involve further deliberations on funding and implementation strategies to ensure that all New Mexico schools are equipped with AEDs and trained personnel.