2014 State Legislative Session Outcome Report

ACUTE CARDIOVASCULAR

CPR in Schools /High School Graduation Requirement – HB 542 House Bill 542 requires the governing authorities of public schools enrolling students in grades 9-12 to provide instruction relative to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Previous law only required a cognitive CPR curriculum. HB 542 expands the former law by ensuring students actually practice CPR compressions before they graduate.

Rep. Tom Willmott of Kenner, authored HB 542. In addition, over 60 house and senate members joined as coauthors. The Louisiana House of Representatives voted 97-0 in favor of the bill and it passed the Senate with a vote of 36-0. The bill was signed by Governor Jindal and goes into effect on August 1, 2014.

HB 542 was supported by the Louisiana State Medical Society, Acadian Ambulance, Louisiana Professional Firefighters Association, Louisiana nurse practitioners, and the Ocshner Medical System.

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Complete Streets – SB 527 The American Heart Association actively supported and assisted the Tulane Prevention Center in its effort to pass comprehensive Complete Streets legislation.

Senate Bill 527 directs the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to adopt and maintain a Complete Streets Policy. Requires DOTD to make reasonable efforts to engage interested stakeholders through an advisory group to be known as the Complete Streets Advisory Council when developing such policy.

The bill was authored by Senator David Heitmeier of . SB 527 passed both the House and Senate with overwhelming support. The legislation was signed by Governor Jindal and goes into effect on June 4, 2014.

American Heart Association

NUTRITION

Menu Labeling – SB 512 The American Heart Association actively supported and assisted the Tulane Prevention Center in its effort to require adequate menu labeling.

Senate Bill 512 requires a restaurant with 15 or more locations to list on a food display tag, menu, or menu board the total amount of calories per serving of each food and beverage item listed for sale on the food display tag, menu, or menu board.

This bill was also authored by Senator Heitmeier. Although the bill was successful in the Senate Health and Welfare committee, it failed to garner success in the full Senate. As a result, Senator Heitmeier decided not to have the bill further considered.

Contact Information Stasha M. Rhodes Government Relations Director- Louisiana 985-414-9743 [email protected]

American Heart Association