Renewed Push for CPR Graduation Requirement in Massachusetts Schools
July 24, 2025July 24, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jessica Margiotta, Director of Communications, Office of Senator Tarr | Cell: 978-675-6109 | jessica.margiotta@masenate.gov
Renewed Push for CPR Graduation Requirement in Massachusetts Schools
Tarr Bill Expands Life-Saving Emergency Medical Training
Boston (07/18/25) – Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester)’s CPR bill, S.456, An Act requiring instruction in CPR and the use of defibrillators for high school graduation, advances to a public hearing held by the Joint Committee on Education. Tarr will provide testimony on this bicameral, bipartisan legislation which expands life-saving emergency medical training for Massachusetts high school students’ health education curriculum.
Inspired by the story and efforts of Madeleine Elizabeth Jackman, a co-sponsor of the bill, as well as a courageous young Newburyport constituent, the legislation would most notably make CPR certification a high school graduation requirement.
Tarr will provide oral testimony in support of his legislation as part of a joint panel that includes Jackman and Kyle McWilliam-Lopez, the Executive Director of Northeastern Massachusetts for the American Red Cross.
The Joint Committee on Education will consider oral, written, and virtual testimony for the bill at their upcoming Public Hearing taking place this, Monday, July 21, starting at 11:00 AM in Gardner Auditorium at the State House.
Event Details:
WHAT: Tarr, Jackman and McWilliam-Lopez Provide Testimony in Support of CPR Bill (S.456)
WHEN: Monday, July 21, 2025 starting at 11:00 AM
WHERE: Gardner Auditorium at the Massachusetts State House OR via Virtual Link
24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02133
WHO: Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester)
Madeleine Jackman, Co-Sponsor of S.456, Newburyport High School Student
Kyle McWilliam-Lopez, Executive Director, Northeastern Massachusetts, American Red Cross
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Additional Background Information Relative to S.456:
Jackman, a Newburyport high school student who worked with Senator Tarr to file S.456 at the start of this legislative session, has become a passionate advocate for increased CPR training after her own life was saved using CPR during a choking incident when she was eight. At Newburyport High School, she founded the Red Cross Club, which has provided free CPR training to restaurants across the community, giving staff the tools needed to save lives.
The bi-partisan legislation, which has already garnered support from Senators John Keenan (D-Quincy) and Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth), and Representative Shirley Arriaga (D-Hampden), would also ensure that instruction in these practices adhere to the most current national guidelines, and incorporate hands-on training into students’ education.
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Additional Resources:
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S456
Media Coverage of S.456:
National:
CBS | Inside Edition
YouTube | Inside Edition
NBC | The Kelly Clarkson Show
YouTube | The Kelly Clarkson Show
Local:
CBS | WBZ | Channel 4
Newburyport Daily News
Gloucester Daily Times
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Thank you,
Jessica
Jessica Margiotta
Director of Communications
Office of the Senate Minority Leader | State Senator Bruce E. Tarr
Massachusetts State House, Room 308 | Boston, MA 02133
Office: 617-722-1600, ext. 1603| Cell: 978-675-6109
Email: jessica.margiotta@masenate.gov
