HB63 requires Hawaii schools to add cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) instruction to the high school health education curriculum beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. The bill applies to public schools, private schools, and public charter schools, and it requires that the instruction include hands-on practice and align with current, nationally recognized, evidence-based emergency care guidelines.
The bill allows CPR instruction to be taught either by licensed teachers or by non-teachers who are formally trained, including community volunteers. It also allows schools to waive the hands-on requirement for students who cannot participate because of a disability. In addition, the measure includes liability protections for the State, counties, public organizations, private organizations, and school employees involved in sponsoring, supporting, or providing the instruction, shielding them from civil damages tied to the acts or omissions of students who receive CPR training.
Impact
HB63 would amend chapters 302A, 302C, and 302D of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to create a new CPR education requirement across public, private, and charter high schools. It would impose a statewide curriculum obligation within health education classes required for graduation, while also establishing instructional standards, teacher/community instructor flexibility, disability waivers, and civil liability immunity provisions for participating entities and personnel.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee testimony or votes, the measure appears to be framed as a broadly supportive public-health and student-safety initiative. Its structure suggests an effort to make CPR training a standard part of high school education, with practical implementation flexibility for schools and instructors. No opposition or formal controversy is reflected in the available record.
Contention
The main policy issues embedded in the bill are implementation and liability. Schools may need to arrange hands-on CPR instruction, identify qualified instructors, and ensure the curriculum matches recognized emergency care standards. The liability provisions may be important to school systems, community organizations, and volunteers who might otherwise be concerned about legal exposure. The disability waiver language also reflects a need to balance mandatory instruction with accessibility for students unable to participate in hands-on practice.
Education: other; recommended model core academic curriculum content standards for health education and certain guidelines for health education; modify. Amends sec. 1170a of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1170a).
Requires DOE to establish program for coaches of school district and nonpublic school athletic activities to obtain certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Requires DOE to establish program for coaches of school district and nonpublic school athletic activities to obtain certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Relating to instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of automated external defibrillators and to a cardiac emergency response plan for certain school employees and volunteers.