Governor McKee Ceremonially Signs Cardiac Response Plan Bill into Law
Published on Thursday, October 15, 2026
WEST WARWICK, RI — Today, Governor Dan McKee was joined by Representative Thomas Noret (D–Dist. 25, Coventry, West Warwick) and Senate Majority Whip David Tikoian (D–Dist. 22, Smithfield, North Providence, Lincoln) as he ceremonially signed legislation (H7027/S2079) that expands the state’s requirement for automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in all middle and high schools, public or private. The new law also requires those schools to develop cardiac emergency response plans (CERPs) for high schools and middle schools and emergency action plans (EAPs) for school athletics.
The legislation, which the Governor formally signed into law in June, strengthens cardiac emergency preparedness by putting plans in place and ensuring staff and coaches are ready to act in the event of a cardiac arrest.
Thursday’s event also featured leadership from the American Heart Association and the West Warwick High School girls’ and boys’ soccer teams.
“When cardiac emergencies happen, every second counts,” said Governor Dan McKee. “As a parent and former coach, I know how important it is to keep our young athletes safe. This law ensures our schools have the necessary resources and plans in place so that first responders and medical teams can act quickly and effectively. I’m grateful to the bill sponsors and advocates for putting our students, athletes, families, and school communities first.”
“Coaches and other visitors may not know what plans are in place for individual schools, so it’s imperative that there be someone on hand who has been trained in the administration of a CERP plan,” said Representative Noret. “This legislation is essential to make sure we always have a cardiac emergency response plan in place along with trained school personnel to actually administer this plan.”
“The safety of students, student-athletes, staff and visitors should be a priority in every school — public or private,” said Senator Tikoian. “This law will ensure that their safety is enhanced by a coordinated response plan where teams are trained and empowered to administer lifesaving care until emergency medical services arrive.”
“We all saw what happened on national TV when Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills collapsed on the football field. He survived because trained responders, an AED, and a rehearsed emergency plan were in place. That level of readiness should not be reserved for professional athletes. Every child in Rhode Island deserves the same chance of survival,” said Dr. Elizabeth Jacobs, pediatric emergency physician at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, American Heart Association volunteer, and founder of the Project ADAM Rhode Island Heart Safe Schools Program.