Florida Advances Youth Athletic Safety with Pioneering Legislation

SB 830 and HB 865 gain momentum, emphasizing CPR and AED training for public school coaches

In a significant move to enhance the safety of young athletes across the state, Florida Senate Bill 830, introduced by Sen. Jay Collins (R-Tampa), and House Bill 865, introduced by Representative Brad Yeager (R-New Port Richey), have successfully cleared their initial committees. Both bills are aimed at enhancing the preparedness of public school coaches in emergency cardiac situations. The bills advancement through their initial committees signals a strong commitment to safeguarding the state's student athletes.

As part of the broader initiative by the American Heart Association and the NFL's Smart Heart Sports Coalition, these bills are crucial in Florida's efforts to lead the way in preventing deaths from sudden cardiac arrest among student athletes. The proposed legislation will ensure coaches are certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and the use of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs), addressing a critical gap in current state law.

"Florida's proactive stance on student athlete safety, through SB 830 and HB 865, exemplifies the kind of legislative action we need to protect our young athletes," said Tiffany McCaskill Henderson, Florida Government Relations Director for the American Heart Association. "With the support of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, we're not just advocating for policy change; we're championing a culture of preparedness and immediate response to cardiac emergencies in sports."

The bills are supported by a broad coalition, including professional sports leagues and athletes, who recognize the urgent need for CPR and AED training in schools and athletic facilities.

The American Heart Association, a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, urges swift action to pass these bills.

While sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death among student athletes, only 11 states currently require public schools to have an athletic emergency plan combined with accessible AEDs and mandatory training for all coaches, according to a letter of support signed by the association and multiple organizations.

"Every second counts in a cardiac emergency," said Qiana Cressman, Executive Director of the American Heart Association – Tampa Bay. "By ensuring our coaches are equipped with the knowledge and skills to act quickly, we can dramatically increase survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest."

With the momentum building for SB 830 and HB 865, Florida continues to be a national leader in youth athletic safety, reinforcing the importance of community readiness and the power of education in saving lives.

The American Heart Association invites the community to join in supporting these vital pieces of legislation as we work together to create a safer environment for all young athletes in Florida.

“Our state is waking up,” said volunteer advocate Shawn Sima, whose 16-year-old daughter survived a sudden cardiac arrest. “There are recent studies that report 25,000 Cardiac Arrest deaths in United States children each year. This is the leading cause of death of all ages on school campuses. I’m a P.A, and I knew CPR but I never understood that it’s not rare. An AED anywhere a kid is playing, going to school, going to summer camp, riding on a school bus – it’s the most important piece of equipment there is, and we have to fight for that.”

Next up, Senate Bill 830 will be heard in the Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services.