Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to allocate funds for the installation and maintenance of public access automated external defibrillator (AED) smart monitored cabinets in school districts throughout Minnesota. These cabinets are intended to enhance emergency response capabilities in schools by providing easy access to defibrillators.

Main Provisions

• Funding: The bill appropriates $24,000,000 from the general fund to the Minnesota Department of Education for the purchase and installation of AED smart monitored cabinets in school districts.
• Grants: The Minnesota State High School League will distribute grant money for up to 2,000 AED units that are connected to smart monitoring systems and include a five-year maintenance plan.
• Eligibility and Selection: To receive a grant, school districts must agree to specific requirements such as ensuring public accessibility to the AEDs, securing agreement on placement location from the land administrator, and maintaining the devices for five years without additional funding.
• Implementation: By October 1, 2025, applications for the grant will be accepted, and the allocation of funds per district will be determined.
• Reporting Requirements: By October 1, 2026, the Minnesota State High School League must report to education committees on the distribution of funds, including the number of AED units installed and compliance with the stated requirements.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• New Funding for AEDs: The bill introduces a one-time appropriation specifically for installing and maintaining AED smart monitored cabinets, which is not explicitly covered in existing Minnesota educational finance laws.

Relevant Terms

• Public access AED
• Smart monitored cabinets
• Minnesota State High School League
• Anyone Can Save A Life program
• AED package program
• Compliance with Minnesota Statutes section 403.51