Illinois lawmakers approve bill updating high school CPR and AED instruction requirements

A bill sponsored by State Rep. Maura Hirschauer seeks to modernize CPR curriculum for Illinois high schools by mandating the inclusion of both male and female manikins during training, while maintaining parental opt-out rights, as reported by the Illinois General Assembly.

In the House, 73 Democrats supported the bill, while 38 Republicans were opposed.

In the Senate, 39 Democrats and 4 Republicans voted in favor, whereas 13 Republicans voted against the measure.

The bill was introduced by Hirschauer in the Illinois House on Feb. 2, 2026, during the 104th session.

Lawmakers passed the legislation, HB4788, on May 20, 2026 as part of the 104th General Assembly session.

The Illinois General Assembly website provided the following summary: "Amends the Courses of Study Article of the School Code. In provisions requiring secondary schools to include training on how to properly administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation in their curriculum, provides that, beginning with the 2028-2029 school year, cardiopulmonary resuscitation training shall include a minimum of one female manikin for every 2 male manikins through the attainment of female manikins or the attainment of chest covers for existing manikins. Provides that whenever manikins are in use for practice or instruction, both male and female manikins shall be present."

Below is a recap derived from the bill text, which includes explanations for clarity.

This legislation updates the state’s requirements for high school cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator training, continuing the standing mandate that secondary schools provide CPR and AED education in accordance with standards from the American Red Cross, American Heart Association or an equivalent organization, and upholds parents’ right to have their children opt out without penalty. Starting with the 2028-29 school year, CPR courses using manikins must include at least one female manikin per every two male manikins, accomplished either by adding female manikins or outfitting existing manikins with chest covers, and requires both types of manikins during training.

The bill was also backed by Sen. Adriane Johnson (Democrat-30th District), Rep. Ann M. Williams (Democrat-11th District), Rep. Anna Moeller (Democrat-43rd District), and 24 more sponsors.

Illinois bills undergo a step-by-step legislative process that begins with introduction in either chamber, followed by committee evaluations, floor debates, and votes in both the House and Senate prior to reaching the governor’s desk. The General Assembly’s two-year cycles see thousands of proposals each session, with only a minority enacted into law.

Additional information on legislative initiatives and summaries can be found here.

Hirschauer earned a bachelor’s degree from Colby College.

Hirschauer, a Democrat, has served the 49th District in the Illinois State House since 2021, succeeding former state representative Karina Villa.

“Not Voting” indicates legislators were present but did not cast a vote, while “Excused Absence” shows those who were absent with reasons formally accepted.