SF3548

SF3548 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation training and automated external defibrillator training for coaches requirement provision

AI Generated Summary

Purpose

Improve safety for students by ensuring trained athletic coaches can respond in emergencies using CPR and AEDs.

Main Provisions

Starting in the 2027-2028 school year, all high school and middle school athletic coaches and assistant coaches employed by a school district or charter school must obtain and maintain current training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).
After initial training, coaches and assistant coaches must receive additional training at least once every two calendar years.
Training must be consistent with national evidence-based emergency cardiovascular care guidelines.

Liability Protections

A coach who performs CPR or uses an AED in the course of their duties is not liable in a civil action for damages from acts or omissions during that performance, except in cases of gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.

Implementation and Legal Changes

The bill adds a subdivision to Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement section 121A.241, establishing CPR and AED training requirements and liability protections for coaches.

Key Definitions and Terms Used

CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
AED (automatic external defibrillator)
Coach, assistant coach
High school, middle school
School district, charter school
Civil action, damages
Gross negligence, willful or wanton misconduct
National evidence-based emergency cardiovascular care guidelines

Practical Impact

Schools will need to organize and verify CPR/AED training for all qualifying coaches.
Regular ongoing training will be required to maintain current CPR/AED skills.
Coaches who assist in emergencies are protected from most civil lawsuits related to their actions, provided they are not acting with gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Relevant Terms CPR, CPR training, AED, automated external defibrillator, defibrillator, coach, assistant coach, high school, middle school, school district, charter school, civil action, damages, negligence, gross negligence, willful misconduct, wanton misconduct, emergency cardiovascular care guidelines, evidence-based guidelines.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
February 17, 2026	Senate		Action	Introduction and first reading
February 17, 2026	Senate		Action	Referred to	Education Policy

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A new Subd.3 requiring CPR and AED training for high school and middle school athletic coaches and assistant coaches.",
        "Initial training and ongoing training at least once every two calendar years, in accordance with national evidence-based emergency cardiovascular care guidelines.",
        "Civil liability protection for individuals who perform CPR or use an AED in the course of employment as an athletic coach, with exceptions for gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill adds a new Subd.3 to Minn. Stat. 121A.241 requiring CPR and AED training for high school and middle school athletic coaches and assistant coaches, with initial training and biennial refreshers, aligned with national evidence-based emergency cardiovascular care guidelines, and provides civil liability protection for coaches performing CPR or using an AED in the line of duty, with exceptions for gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct. Training requires commencement in the 2027-2028 school year.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "121A.241",
    "subdivision": "Subd.3"
  }
]