HB649 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ron Johnson

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Sudden cardiac arrest, require schools to provide training to coaches and parents to prevent

Summary

HB649 would require Alabama schools to train coaches on sudden cardiac arrest, inform families about risks, and set safety steps for athletic activities.

What This Bill Does

The bill requires annual sudden cardiac arrest training for coaches and creates penalties for violations. It requires schools to provide information to students and parents about the risks and warning signs, and to obtain an acknowledgment each year. It directs the Department of Education to publish guidelines and may use the Simon's Fund video to educate coaches, and it sets procedures for removing students who show symptoms and for medical clearance to return. It also sets penalties for violations by coaches and provides civil immunity to coaches except in cases of gross negligence; it becomes effective August 1, 2016.

Who It Affects

• Coaches and athletic staff, who must complete training and can face suspensions for violations
• Students involved in sports, who must receive information, acknowledge it, and may be removed from play if symptoms occur and require medical clearance to return
• Parents/guardians, who must review information and sign acknowledgment
• Local boards of education, which must implement training, information sharing, and penalties
• Sponsors of youth activities and other school-related programs, who are encouraged to follow the guidance

Key Provisions

• Annual sudden cardiac arrest training required for every athletic coach; coaching without current training is prohibited
• Schools must provide information sheets to students and parents and require signature acknowledgment; Department of Education to post guidelines and may use Simon's Fund video
• Procedures for removing a student who faints or shows symptoms, and requiring medical clearance before return to participation
• Penalties for coaches: first violation suspends for the remainder of the season; second violation suspends for the remainder of the season and the next season; third violation results in permanent suspension
• Coaches have civil immunity from liability unless found to have acted with gross negligence; sponsors of other youth activities are encouraged to follow the guidance
• Effective date: August 1, 2016

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Health