(a) On and after July 1, 2010, subject to the provisions of subsection (d) of this section, each local and regional board of education shall have at each school under the board’s jurisdiction: (1) An automatic external defibrillator; and (2) school personnel trained in the operation of such automatic external defibrillator and the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The automatic external defibrillator and school personnel trained in the operation of an automatic external defibrillator and the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation shall be accessible during the school’s normal operational hours, during school-sponsored athletic practices and athletic events taking place on school grounds and during school sponsored events not occurring during the normal operational hours of the school.

(b) Not later than July 1, 2010, each school shall develop an emergency action response plan that addresses the appropriate use of school personnel to respond to incidents involving an individual experiencing sudden cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening emergency while on school grounds.

(c) Not later than July 1, 2010, each school with an athletic department or organized athletic program shall develop an emergency action response plan that addresses the appropriate use of school personnel to respond to incidents involving an individual experiencing sudden cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening emergency while attending or participating in an athletic practice or event while on school grounds.

(d) A local or regional board of education shall not be required to comply with the provisions of subsection (a) of this section if federal, state or private funding is not available to such local and regional board of education to purchase an automatic external defibrillator and pay for the training of school personnel described in said subsection (a). A local and regional board of education may accept a donation of an automatic external defibrillator that meets the standards established by the United States Food and Drug Administration and is in compliance with the device manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. A local and regional board of education may accept gifts, grants and donations, including in-kind donations designated for the purchase of an automatic external defibrillator and for the costs incurred to inspect and maintain such device and train staff in the use of such device.