Newton Committee Advances CPR Training Resolution 4-0-2, Appoints Biosafety Member

NEWTON -- June 18, 2025, Newton's Programs and Services Committee voted 4-0-2 to advance a non-binding resolution urging the Massachusetts legislature to mandate hands-only CPR and AED training in public high schools. Councilor Steven Ferrell, who filed the item after being contacted by Harvard junior and CPR Ambassador Program co-founder Nian Sapers, cited his own heart transplant seven years ago as motivation for acting quickly. Sapers told the committee that Massachusetts is one of only nine states without such a mandate and that a single 30- to 45-minute session integrated into PE or health class, costing roughly $725 for an inflatable mannequin set, could train every high school student; five related bills go before the Joint Committee on Education on July 21. Chair Josh Krinsman and Councilor John Oliver abstained, each citing concern about adding mandates to an already strained school department. The committee also unanimously confirmed the appointment of Morgan Mater, a veteran biotech biosafety officer, to the city's Biosafety Committee, both items advance to the full City Council on July 16.