Bill would set aside $1.2 million for school emergency heart devices

New Mexico would set aside $1.2 million from its general fund for grants through the Public Education Department. Grants would cover public schools that meet the requirements of Section 22-33-6(A) of New Mexico law. Spending could not exceed $400,000 in any single fiscal year. In fiscal year 2027, only schools outside areas designated as urban by the United States Census Bureau could receive grants. Schools could use grants only to buy, install, test, or maintain automated external defibrillators, devices that deliver an electric shock to the heart. The money would be available for spending in fiscal years 2027 through 2029. Any money left at the end of fiscal year 2029 would return to the general fund.