Advocates call on South Carolina Senate to Pass Smart Heart Act
January 13, 2026
Bill would require lifesaving cardiac emergency plans and AED access in all public schools statewide.
Advocates, including educators, medical professionals, and other community members, will gather on at 11:30 a.m. on the South Carolina State House steps on January 28 for a press conference urging lawmakers to pass the Smart Heart Act, a bill designed to save lives by strengthening cardiac emergency preparedness in all public schools. Sarah Kay Wrenn, Miss South Carolina, and Tess Fern, Miss America’s Teen and Miss SC Teen, will join supporters at the event.
“Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death on school campuses and in youth sports,” said Sarah Kay Wrenn, Miss South Carolina. “This legislation ensures our schools are prepared to respond in seconds, because seconds are what saves lives.”
The Smart Heart Act would ensure that every public school in South Carolina implements a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) and maintains accessible Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at all school athletic venues, including off-site events, ensuring that lifesaving equipment and trained personnel are always within reach when seconds matter.
The Smart Heart Act:
• Requires each school to create and maintain a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan, including a trained response team, regular drills, and annual reviews.
• Ensures AEDs are on-site, accessible, unlocked, and clearly marked at all athletic venues and events.
• Extends cardiac emergency standards to private schools that compete against public-school teams.
• Requires AED maintenance, testing, and coordination with local EMS.
Sudden cardiac arrest can strike without warning and is often fatal if not treated within minutes. Immediate CPR and AED use can increase survival rates by two to three times, yet many South Carolina schools still lack AEDs near athletic fields or staff trained to use them quickly.
“This legislation is not about politics. It is about protecting our children and the people who care for them. Our educators train for fire drills, intruder scenarios, and severe weather. We must treat cardiac emergencies with the same seriousness and consistency,” said Keith Price, superintendent of Lexington County School District One.
The Smart Heart Act passed the South Carolina House unanimously last year. Supporters now urge the Senate to act swiftly and “carry it across the finish line.”
If enacted, the law would take effect July 1, 2026, with full implementation beginning in the 2027–2028 school year.
South Carolina residents can learn more, contact their lawmakers, and support the legislation at heartpowered.org.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
