AUSTIN, Texas, June 03, 2026 — Texas schools are now required to have cardiac emergency response plans under a 2025 state law, but many may not have the funding to implement them. In response, more than 95 students, community leaders, lawmakers and survivors gathered as the American Heart Association hosted Heart at the Capitol on June 3. This state lobby day event allowed grassroots advocates to champion funding for schools to fully implement cardiac emergency response plans (CERPs).
In 2025 Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 865, known as the Landon Payton Act, into law requiring all Texas public schools to implement CERPs. A legislative win for schools and children across Texas, the landmark legislation aims to save lives by ensuring schools are prepared to respond to cardiac emergencies. But there’s one problem: many Texas schools may not have the funding needed to implement the law.
“Advocates are urging lawmakers to finish what they started,” said Jayne Whisnant, a speaker at the event whose child was born with a congenital heart defect, whose life could potentially be saved by the law. “Passing the Landon Payton Act was an important first step. Now lawmakers must provide funding for schools so we can do what we intend to do: Save lives.”
During meetings at the state capitol, advocates asked lawmakers for $8 million of funding to help schools cover costs of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) training for staff and volunteers, as well as purchasing and maintaining AEDs and developing cardiac emergency response plans.
"By sharing their personal stories, Heart Powered advocates make progress on cardiac arrest preparedness possible," said Sarah Rivin, senior government relations lead for the American Heart Association. "Eight million dollars would enable thousands of schools across Texas to implement life-saving protocols, including purchasing AEDs. Our network knows first-hand that access to equipment and plans will save countless students' lives."
Organizers timed the event during National CPR and AED Awareness Week (June 1–7) to highlight the need for funding to support life-saving measures in schools. Legislators and staff participated in a Hands-Only CPR demonstration in the Texas Capitol rotunda. The event also included advocacy message training, a luncheon and in-person meetings with lawmakers.
“Sharing my story as a cardiac arrest survivor has shown me how powerful my advocacy can be – and I’m alive today because CPR was started right away,” said Beckett Moore, an Austin-area high school junior, and cardiac arrest survivor and featured speaker who advocates for CERPs in schools. “I have a simple question for my lawmakers: Will you fight for kids like me?”
More than 350,000 people experience cardiac arrests outside of a hospital each year, including 23,000 children. CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival — which is key since only 10% of people who have a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital survive. The primary goal of the Nation of Lifesavers initiative is to double the survival rate of sudden cardiac arrest by 2030.
“I was one of the lucky ones,” said Chloe Burke, Houston native and Heart Powered advocate who survived a cardiac arrest while cheerleading at a University of Houston football game. “Too many Texans die because an AED couldn’t get there in time. But by working with lawmakers, we can – and will – change that,” Burke said.
This effort is part of the American Heart Association Heart Powered grassroots network, which brings together people to share their personal stories in support of public policies that improve lives and create healthier communities. New Advocates looking to join this effort, text LANDON to 46839, or visit heartpowered.org/join. (*Text and data rates may apply.)
Links to Heart at the Capitol event assets:
Additional Resources:
###
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, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries
Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
Lindsey Lyons: Lindsey.Lyons@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
Michael Vybiral: Michael.Vybiral@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
