Smart Heart Act passes to improve cardiac readiness in schools
April 7, 2026
Bill requires cardiac emergency plans and AED access in all South Carolina schools
After two years of advocacy from educators, medical professionals, families, and community leaders across the state, Governor Henry McMaster has now signed the Smart Heart Act into law.
This landmark legislation is to strengthen cardiac emergency preparedness in all public schools and save lives when seconds matter most. The bill passed unanimously in subcommittee, received unanimous floor votes, and was approved without opposition in both chambers of the General Assembly.
The Smart Heart Act requires every public school in South Carolina to implement a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) and ensure accessible Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are available at all school athletic venues, including off-site events. The law also extends key cardiac safety standards to private schools that compete against public-school teams, creating a more consistent and comprehensive safety net for students, athletes, staff, and spectators statewide.
“Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death among student-athletes and one of the leading causes of death on school campuses,” said Sarah Kay Wrenn, Miss South Carolina. “This legislation is about preparation, prevention, and protecting lives. When a cardiac emergency happens, you don’t get a second chance, and now our schools will be ready to respond.”
Sudden cardiac arrest often strikes without warning and can be fatal within minutes if CPR and AEDs are not immediately available. Studies show that prompt intervention can double or even triple survival rates, yet many schools have historically lacked nearby AEDs or trained responders. The Smart Heart Act directly addresses those gaps.
Key provisions of the Smart Heart Act include:
- Requiring every school to create and maintain a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan, including a trained response team, regular drills, and annual review.
- Ensuring AEDs are on-site, unlocked, clearly marked, and accessible at all school athletic venues and events.
- Extending cardiac emergency preparedness standards to private schools that compete against public schools.
- Requiring proper AED maintenance, testing, and coordination with local emergency medical services.
“This legislation is not about politics, it is about people,” said Keith Price, superintendent of Lexington County School District One. “Our educators already prepare for fires, severe weather, and intruder scenarios. cardiac emergencies deserve the same level of planning and urgency. The Smart Heart Act will help ensure our schools are ready to act in the moments that matter most.”
The Smart Heart Act will take effect on July 1, 2026, with full implementation beginning in the 2027–2028 school year, giving school districts the time and guidance needed to prepare for rollout.
Supporters and South Carolina residents can learn more about the Smart Heart Act and ongoing heart health advocacy 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.
