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| Date: | May 12, 2011 | | Contact Name: | Susan Closmore | | Contact Phone: | 651-296-5712 | | Contact Email: | susan.closmore@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| SENATOR HALL’S BILL “HANNAH’S LAW” PASSES IN SENATE Requires CPR Training for Teachers, Assistant Teachers in Child Care Centers |
ST. PAUL– The Minnesota State Senate passed “Hannah’s Law” by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 66 to 0 Thursday. House File 235, authored by Senator Dan Hall (R-Burnsville), would require CPR training for all teachers and assistant teachers in child care centers.
“Hannah’s Law,” honors Hannah Kozitza, who died after choking on a grape while at a day care facility last summer.
“I thank my colleagues in the Senate that stood with me today in support of protecting children, like Hannah, from future tragedies. This bill not only improves the preparedness at child care facilities, but brings public awareness of the importance of emergency training for those that care for our children,” said Senator Hall. “I am very grateful to Representative Holberg for working with me on this legislation in the House, and for her constituents, Hannah’s family, who are here today for the final passage of this bill.”
Current law only requires one CPR-trained staff person to be present in a child care facility when children are present. Hannah’s Law would require all teachers and assistant teachers in child care centers to complete CPR training, including CPR for infants and children. It also requires at least one trained staff member to be present whenever a child is present at the facility or on field trips. Training is to be completed within 90 days of hire unless the individual has completed similar CPR training in the last three years. The bill is supported by the American Red Cross Twin Cities Chapter. The bill has already passed in the House, and is now headed to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.
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Senator Dan Hall (SD40) was elected to the State Senate in 2010. He is the Vice Chair for the Environment and Natural Resources Committee, as well as serving on the Health and Human Services and the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee. He encourages and appreciates constituent input, and can be reached at (651)296-5975 and by e-mail at sen.dan.hall@senate.mn.
