Governor signs life-saving bill, requiring cardiac emergency response plans in Texas schools

AUSTIN, June 23, 2025 — Governor Greg Abbott has signed the Landon Payton Act (Senate Bill 865) into law, requiring all Texas public schools to implement a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP). Championed by the American Heart Association, this landmark legislation aims to save lives by ensuring schools are prepared to respond to cardiac arrests. 

The Association has a long-standing history of advocating for life-saving policies, and this new law is expected to protect millions of Texas students, educators, and school visitors each year. Just weeks after Austin teenager and cardiac arrest survivor Beckett Moore stayed at the Capitol until midnight advocating for the bill, Governor Abbott signed it into law. Beckett, along with other members of the American Heart Association Heart Powered grassroots advocacy network, shared emotional testimonies, contacted lawmakers, and made a powerful impact during Texas Advocacy Day at the Capitol in February. 

This law comes at a critical time as it is estimated that more than 23,000 children under the age of 18 experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital annually in the U.S. Of those events, about 40% are sports-related.  

The bill was named the Landon Payton Act, in honor of the Houston middle school student who passed away because the campus’s automated external defibrillator (AED) was inoperable. An important part of CERPs is developing a process for AED maintenance. Whether in the classroom or on the playing field, having a plan in place to enable faculty, staff, and students to quickly and correctly respond to a cardiac emergency can save lives. In schools with AEDs, approximately 70% of children survive cardiac arrest – seven times the national average.  

“As a cardiac arrest survivor, I know every second counts. The Landon Payton Act ensures Texas schools are ready to act when it matters most. This law will save lives—and now it’s up to all of us to keep building a Nation of Lifesavers,” said Chloe Burke, cardiac arrest survivor, passionate advocate, and member of the American Heart Association’s Texas State Advocacy Committee. 

More than 356,000 people experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital in the United States each year. Currently, only 10% of those people will survive, most likely because there were people nearby prepared to act. Texas school districts with a CERP in place have people prepared to respond by calling 911, beginning CPR and using an AED.  

The Association encourages all Texans to join the Nation of Lifesavers and learn how to save a life through Hands-Only CPR with just two simple steps.  

Join the Nation of Lifesavers  - Learn Hands-Only CPR in just two steps: 

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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 

Michael Vybiral: michael.vybiral@heart.org