1. a. Notwithstanding the provisions of any law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, beginning on September 1, 2014, the board of education of a public school district and the governing board or chief school administrator of a nonpublic school that includes any of the grades kindergarten through 12 shall ensure that:

(1) each public or nonpublic school has an automated external defibrillator, as defined in section 2 of P.L.1999, c.34 (C. 2A:62A-24), which is made available in an unlocked location on school property with an appropriate identifying sign. The defibrillator shall be accessible during the school day and any other time when a school-sponsored athletic event or team practice is taking place in which pupils of the district or nonpublic school are participating. The defibrillator shall be within reasonable proximity of the school athletic field or gymnasium, as applicable;

(2) a team coach, licensed athletic trainer, or other designated staff member if there is no coach or licensed athletic trainer, who is present during the athletic event or team practice, is trained in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and the use of the defibrillator in accordance with the provisions of section 3 of P.L.1999, c.34 (C. 2A:62A-25). A school district or nonpublic school shall be deemed to be in compliance with this requirement if a State-certified emergency services provider or other certified first responder is on site at the event or practice; and

(3) each defibrillator is tested and maintained according to the manufacturer’s operational guidelines and notification is provided to the appropriate first aid, ambulance, or rescue squad or other appropriate emergency medical services provider regarding the defibrillator, the type acquired, and its location in accordance with section 3 of P.L.1999, c.34 (C. 2A:62A-25).

b. A school district or nonpublic school and its employees shall be immune from civil liability in the acquisition and use of defibrillators pursuant to the provisions of section 5 of P.L.1999, c.34 (C. 2A:62A-27).

L.2012, c.51, s.1.