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Indiana: Urgent Action Needed

We need your help today.

 

Indiana lawmakers are scheduled to consider on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 a proposal in the House Education Committee (HB 1004) that would repeal key school cardiac safety requirements enacted just last year.

 

These requirements ensure:

  • Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at school-related events

  • Emergency Action Plans tailored for school venues

  • CPR training for coaches

 

They are simple, proven, and lifesaving.

 

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death among young people. When schools are prepared - with AEDs, planning, and trained responders - survival rates can approach 90 percent. Repealing these provisions would move Indiana backward on student safety.

Take Action Today
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1. Contact key lawmakers and urge them to oppose repeal language in HB 1004

  • Rep. Bob Behning, Chairman, House Education Committee
    Email: H91@iga.in.gov
    Phone: 317-232-9753

  • Rep. Matt Lehman, House Majority Floor Leader
    Email: H79@iga.in.gov
    Phone: 319-234-9380

 

2. Submit written or oral testimony for Wednesday’s hearing

If you or one of your colleagues can testify, please contact Chris Cesnik (American Heart Association) at christina.cesnik@heart.org

 

3. Activate your social media channels
Urge Indiana lawmakers to keep these life-saving protections in place for students, families, and school communities.

Sample Letter (Feel Free to Customize)

Subject: Please Oppose Repeal of School Cardiac Safety Protections in HB 1004

 

Dear Rep. Bob Behning / Rep. Matt Lehman,

 

I respectfully urge you to remove language in HB 1004 that would repeal school cardiac safety provisions enacted by the legislature last year and signed into law by Governor Braun.

 

These evidence-based, commonsense measures, including AED access at school events, Emergency Action Plans, and CPR training for coaches, are critical to protecting students, staff, and community members from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), a leading cause of death among young people.

 

There are clearly proven strategies that dramatically improve survival from SCA, including:

  • Readily accessible AEDs

  • Venue-specific Emergency Action Plans

  • CPR training for key responders

 

These were the very measures adopted by Indiana last year, ensuring schools are equipped not just with good intentions, but with the tools and training needed to act in an emergency. Research shows that schools with these policies in place see survival rates approaching 90 percent when cardiac arrest occurs.

 

Repealing these provisions would put students at unnecessary risk and undo meaningful progress made just one year ago. We strongly urge you to keep these life-saving protections in place for Indiana’s school communities.

 

Thank you for your leadership and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[City, State]

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