Senator Molly Cook Files Life-Saving Legislation to Expand CPR Training and AED Access in Texas Schools

the senate of the state of texas
The Honorable Molly Cook
State Senator, District 15
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Daphne Alcala
daphne.alcala@senate.texas.gov
(512) 463-0115
February 21, 2025
Senator Molly Cook Files Life-Saving Legislation to Expand CPR Training and
AED Access in Texas Schools
AUSTIN, TX – Senator Molly Cook (D-Houston) has filed legislation aimed to improve emergency
response capabilities in Texas schools by ensuring that students receive hands-on CPR training and that
automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in school facilities are unlocked, accessible, and clearly labeled.
On Monday, February 24, 2025, the Texas Society of Anesthesiologists is holding its 14th Annual CPR
Training Day and 5th Stop the Bleed Training at the Capitol for legislative staff, with Senator Molly Cook
participating and assisting with CPR demonstrations.
"Seconds matter in a cardiac emergency, and the more people who know how to act, the more lives we
save," said Senator Cook. "Without quick intervention, only 10% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims
survive, and every minute that passes without CPR decreases survival chances by another 10%. "
The legislative package includes:
• SB 1550: Requires hands-on CPR instruction and AED training with practical demonstrations for
students to receive comprehensive emergency response education using mannequins and real-world
scenarios.
• SB 1551: Requires that AEDs in schools must be clearly marked, easily accessible, and maintained
in unlocked cases during school hours, removing barriers to emergency access.
Dr. Lisa Weiss, a Houston anesthesiologist and HISD parent, emphasized the importance of these changes:
"Even if you know CPR, in a crisis, it can be hard to think straight. Training young people to respond with
confidence will save lives. It’s always better to start CPR and use an AED when in doubt because it can
mean the difference between life and death for a classmate, teacher, or stranger."
CPR/Stop the Bleeding Training – for Legislative Staff and Employees:
Date: Monday, February 24th
Location: Legislative Conference Center, Room E2.002
Time: 3:00-4:00 pm
Members of the media who wish to cover the CPR/Stop the Bleeding Training should contact
daphne.alcala@senate.texas.gov to confirm attendance.