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Bill

SB 1328

An Act requiring automated external defibrillators at utility or electrical worksites; imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry; and imposing penalties.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Camera Bartolotta and 11 co-sponsors

Mandatory on-site AEDs at Pennsylvania utility/electrical worksites to improve cardiac-emergency response and be enforceable by the Department of Labor and Industry.

Referred to Labor & Industry
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1328

Summary of Bill: SB 1328 (2025-2026, Pennsylvania)

Purpose and intent

  • The bill aims to improve on-site emergency response at utility or electrical worksites by requiring the presence of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at these worksites.
  • It assigns duties to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry and establishes penalties for noncompliance.

Key provisions and changes proposed

  • Mandatory AEDs at utility or electrical worksites:
    • Utility or electrical worksites must have at least one AED available on-site.
    • The AEDs would be accessible for use by trained personnel in the event of a suspected cardiac emergency.
  • Training and readiness expectations (implied elements):
    • While the bill text provided does not specify all training requirements, typical provisions would require that on-site personnel are trained in AED use and basic life support (BLS) or CPR, and that AEDs are maintained and inspected according to manufacturer and regulatory standards.
  • Department of Labor and Industry duties:
    • The Department would be responsible for enforcing the AED requirement, which may include developing rules, education, inspections, compliance mechanisms, and penalties for violations.
  • Penalties:
    • The bill authorizes penalties for failure to comply with the AED requirement, with specifics likely to be set by implementing regulations or the bill’s text (e.g., fines or other enforcement actions). Exact amounts and procedures would be detailed in the final enacted version or through regulations.
  • Scope and applicability:
    • Applies specifically to utility or electrical worksites within Pennsylvania. This targets a critical sector where electrical work can pose unique cardiac risk factors due to shock hazards, strenuous activity, or remote job locations.

Who would be affected

  • Primary: Employers and managers of utility and electrical worksites in Pennsylvania.
  • Secondary: Employees and contractors working at those sites, who would benefit from AED availability and potential on-site use during cardiac events.
  • Regulator: Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, which would oversee compliance, enforcement, and any rulemaking related to the AED requirement.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Current status: As of the latest action, SB 1328 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Labor & Industry (May 20, 2026).
  • Next steps likely include:
    • Committee review and potential amendments.
    • Floor consideration by the Senate, and if passed, transmission to the House for consideration.
    • Development of implementing regulations by the Department of Labor and Industry to specify standards (AED model/type, maintenance schedules, inspection processes, training requirements) and to outline penalties.
  • Effective date: The legislation’s effective date would be determined in the final bill text or subsequent regulatory implementation; not specified in the provided materials.

Practical considerations and potential impact

  • Safety outcomes: Mandatory AEDs could reduce response time for cardiac emergencies at utility worksites, potentially improving survival and outcomes for employees on-site.
  • Implementation costs: Employers would incur costs for purchasing AED units, accessories (pads, batteries), maintenance, and training. Small employers may face greater relative burden.
  • Compliance and enforcement: The Department would need clear regulatory guidance, inspection protocols, and a defined penalty structure to ensure consistent application.
  • Training needs: Employers may need to implement or enhance CPR/AED training for workers, along with regular drills and equipment checks.

If you want, I can compare SB 1328 to similar AED-mandate laws in other states or extract potential fiscal implications once the final regulatory language is available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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