Partisan divide and bipartisan breaks shape passage of female CPR manikin mandate in Illinois

Illinois lawmakers witnessed a notable partisan split within the House and cross-party breaks in the Senate as HB4788, a measure requiring female manikins for high school CPR training, moved through the General Assembly on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, Illinois General Assembly records indicate.

The House approved the bill 73-38. Democrats voted unanimously in favor, 73-0, while Republicans unanimously opposed it, 0-38.

The Senate vote was 43-13, with Democrats backing the measure 39-0 and Republicans 4-13.

Official General Assembly records confirm both chambers passed HB4788 on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

The following summary of HB4788, which would require high school CPR courses to feature female training manikins, is drawn from the actual bill text and includes clarifying interpretation.

HB4788 amends the graduation requirements for Illinois high schools’ instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillators. The measure retains the current rule requiring all secondary institutions to teach CPR and AED procedures aligned with nationally recognized organizations such as the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association and provides parents the ability to have their children opt out without penalty. Beginning in 2028-29, the legislation mandates that whenever manikins are used for CPR training, there must be at least one female manikin for every two male manikins present. Compliance can be achieved by adding female manikins or utilizing chest covers, ensuring a mix of male and female manikins in each session.

The proposal was introduced by Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-49).

Hirschauer, a Colby College graduate with a BA, was elected to the Illinois State House in 2021 for the 49th District, taking over from Karina Villa.

In Illinois, legislation follows a multi-step process, starting in either chamber, then moving through committees, floor debates, and votes in both the House and the Senate before reaching the governor. The General Assembly meets on a two-year schedule; while thousands of bills are considered every session, only a small percentage ultimately become law.