HB 4685 aims to enhance fire safety protocols in both public and private schools, including open-enrollment charter schools. The bill specifically focuses on integrating the inspection of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) into the routine fire safety inspections conducted at educational facilities.
The bill mandates that during any required fire safety inspection, each AED on a school campus must be examined to ensure it is operational. This includes verifying that the pads and batteries are not expired and that the device's status indicator confirms it is ready for use. A school representative is required to present the AEDs for inspection. The inspection findings must be documented in a written report, which is to be provided to the principal and superintendent in the case of public schools, or to the director in the case of private schools. The report must also include details on how, when, and to whom it was delivered, and a copy must be maintained at the campus, filed according to the year of inspection.
Additionally, the bill amends Section 419.029 of the Government Code to require that training curricula for fire protection personnel include instruction on how to conduct AED inspections in accordance with the new standards. This ensures that inspectors are properly trained to verify the operational readiness of life-saving equipment in school settings.
Overall, the bill enhances school emergency preparedness and public safety infrastructure without adding significant regulatory burden, aiming for a seamless integration of AED checks into existing fire safety procedures.
The Committee Substitute version of HB 4685 reflects several substantive changes from the originally filed version, primarily aimed at narrowing the bill’s scope and clarifying its implementation procedures. One of the most notable changes is the removal of a provision requiring inspections of vaccines and over-the-counter medications for expiration. The original bill mandated that fire safety inspections at public and private schools include a review of these medical supplies. However, the Committee Substitute eliminates this language entirely, limiting the inspection requirements solely to automated external defibrillators (AEDs). This change likely reflects a desire to keep the bill aligned with traditional fire safety protocols and avoid overlap with health agency responsibilities.
In addition to narrowing the scope, the substitute bill also strengthens the procedural framework for AED inspections. While the originally filed version required inspectors to notify school administrators of the inspection results, it did not specify which officials should receive the report or how the report should be maintained. The substitute version adds specificity by requiring written reports to be delivered to the principal and superintendent (for public schools) or the director (for private schools). It also mandates that the reports include the time, date, and method of delivery and be kept on file at the campus, organized by year.
Another key refinement in the substitute bill is the requirement that school representatives present each AED for inspection. This provision, absent from the original bill, ensures that inspectors can easily access and evaluate the devices without ambiguity. Additionally, the Committee Substitute adds more detailed guidance on what constitutes a "fully functional" AED, including the status of its pads, battery, and indicator light, providing clearer standards for compliance.
In sum, the Committee Substitute version of HB 4685 narrows the bill’s focus to fire-related safety equipment, enhances accountability through clearer reporting procedures, and ensures practical implementation through defined responsibilities. These changes reflect legislative intent to create a more focused, manageable, and enforceable statute.
Contact the Author
Rep. Jeff Leach
