Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signs ‘Smart Heart Act’ into law

Gov. Lee signs “Smart Heart Act” into law at Pearl-Cohn High School’s Firebird Stadium. From Gov. Bill Lee via Facebook.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) — On Tuesday, Gov. Bill Lee signed the “Smart Heart Act” into law, requiring schools to have automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) accessible during school hours and activities.

SB 2175 requires this of each public and nonpublic school serving grades nine through twelve in Tennessee.

It also requires schools to have response protocols for cardiac-related medical emergencies.

In addition, the new law requires schools to have personnel on and off the fields trained in CPR and AED usage.

“Nothing is more important than keeping our students healthy and safe, and the Smart Heart Act ensures schools will be ready to respond in the event of a cardiac-related emergency,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “I commend the General Assembly for their commitment to Tennessee students in passing this legislation.”

“The NFL is honored to join with our Smart Heart Sports Coalition partners and allies to celebrate the enactment of this crucial safety measure. Thanks to Governor Lee, leaders in the legislature, the Tennessee Titans, and the advocates who pushed this forward, school communities throughout the state will have the tools and training to better respond to cardiac emergencies. This is a victory for students, athletes, staff and visitors at Tennessee’s schools,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.