Albany, NY – Today, New York State Governor Hochul signed into law Bill A.785-A/S.5539-A, a landmark piece
of legislation proudly co-sponsored by Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon to strengthen school safety plans
and better protect students, staff, and visitors in the event of sudden cardiac emergencies.
The new law requires all schools to incorporate a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) into their existing
safety protocols. This plan ensures schools are prepared to respond rapidly and effectively to incidents involving
sudden cardiac arrest at any school facility or school-sponsored event, including athletic programs. It also
encourages coordination with local emergency medical services, training for relevant staff, and the placement of
automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in accessible locations to maximize lifesaving outcomes.
As a former educator and Dean of Public Service and Emergency Preparedness at Mohawk Valley Community
College, Assemblywoman Buttenschon has long been a champion for student safety, public health, and emergency
preparedness.
“As someone who has dedicated much of my career to education and emergency services, I know how
critical it is to be prepared for life-threatening situations where every second counts,” said
Assemblywoman Buttenschon. “This law will save lives by ensuring schools have the training, tools, and
coordinated response plans needed to act immediately during cardiac emergencies. I’m grateful to my
colleagues and the Governor for recognizing the urgency of this issue and standing with us to protect
our students, educators, and communities.”
The legislation builds upon the success of the Louis Acompora AEDs in Schools Act, which required schools to
have defibrillators on-site, by adding an evidence-based emergency response framework developed in alignment
with American Heart Association recommendations. Studies have shown that survival rates dramatically increase
when an AED is applied within three minutes of a cardiac arrest, making preparedness plans essential.
This new law will:
● Require schools to integrate cardiac emergency response protocols into safety plans
● Provide clear procedures for incidents at school-sponsored events and athletic programs
● Encourage training in CPR and AED use for staff, including emergency response teams
● Align school response plans with local EMS protocols for seamless lifesaving efforts
“When a child, teacher, or community member suffers a cardiac arrest on school grounds, time is truly
the difference between life and death. With this law, schools will now have comprehensive,
venue-specific plans to respond swiftly and effectively,” Buttenschon added.
As a long-time advocate for education and safety, Assemblywoman Buttenschon has worked tirelessly to ensure
that schools in the Mohawk Valley and across New York State are safe learning environments for all.
This legislation is part of Buttenschon’s ongoing mission to combine her expertise in education, emergency
preparedness, and community advocacy to improve public safety. It reflects her deep commitment to protecting
the health and well-being of every New Yorker, especially the youngest and most vulnerable.
About Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon
Assemblywoman Buttenschon represents the 119th District, encompassing the cities of Utica and Rome as well as
surrounding towns and farming communities. A lifelong educator, public safety advocate, and small business
supporter, she proudly serves on the Assembly’s Agriculture, Banks, Economic Development, Education, Higher
Education, and Veterans Affairs Committees and chairs the Committee on Small Businesses. Her work is driven
by transparency, accountability, and a commitment to strengthening the Mohawk Valley’s future.
Assemblywoman Buttenschon Celebrates Governor’s Signing of Life-Saving School Safety Legislation
