Assemblywoman Buttenschon Celebrates Governor’s Signing of Life-Saving School Safety Legislation
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.
