Gov. Bill Lee signed the Smart Heart Act, legislation that requires automatic defibrillators in schools and establishes response protocols for cardiac-related medical emergencies. The bill received unanimous, bipartisan legislative support.

“Nothing is more important than keeping our students healthy and safe, and the Smart Heart Act ensures schools will be ready to respond in the event of a cardiac-related emergency,” said Lee. “I commend the General Assembly for their commitment to Tennessee students in passing this legislation.”

The Smart Heart Act requires each public and nonpublic school serving grades nine through twelve to maintain an automated external defibrillator (AED) that is accessible during the school day and during all school athletic activities. Additionally, these schools must establish, review, and annually practice an athletics emergency action plan for responding to students who sustain cardiac arrests or other life-threatening injuries while participating in school athletic activities. The legislation also ensures that appropriate personnel on and off the field, including coaches, are trained in CPR and AEDs.

“This bill ensures that schools will have the training and tools necessary to respond quickly and efficiently to a cardiac event,” Lt. Governor Randy McNally said. “I am grateful to Senator Hensley for sponsoring this important legislation in the Senate.”

The Governor was joined by the National Football League, American Heart Association and other members of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, in addition to members of the General Assembly.

“The NFL is honored to join with our Smart Heart Sports Coalition partners and allies to celebrate the enactment of this crucial safety measure,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said. “Thanks to Gov. Lee, leaders in the legislature, the Tennessee Titans, and the advocates who pushed this forward, school communities throughout the state will have the tools and training to better respond to cardiac emergencies. This is a victory for students, athletes, staff and visitors at Tennessee’s schools.” –

Sarah Adair of the American Heart Association added this law will equip all public schools in Tennessee to respond to a cardiac emergency anywhere on school grounds within minutes with trained staffed, maintained AEDs and in coordination with the local EMS.

“There is only a 10% survival rate of having a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital, and every minute counts,” Adair said. “We believe this bill will ensure students statewide receive quality care quickly, and we are grateful for having a strong coalition across the state committed to the health and wellbeing of our students.”

Launched in 2023, the Smart Heart Sports Coalition is made up of major sports leagues and leading health advocacy organizations. The coalition seeks to drive the nationwide adoption of evidence-based policies proven to prevent fatalities from Sudden Cardiac Arrest among high school students, including: clearly marked AEDs at or within minutes of each high school athletic venue, an emergency action plan specific to each athletic venue that is posted and regularly rehearsed, and education in CPR, including AED use, for coaches and other key personnel.