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H 2349

An Act requiring automatic external defibrillators in Norfolk County public buildings

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Marcus Vaughn and 1 co-sponsor

H 2349 requires Norfolk County public buildings to install and maintain automatic external defibrillators, potentially improving cardiac arrest survival rates but imposing costs on municipalities.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 2349

Legislative bill overview

H 2349 mandates that all public buildings in Norfolk County, Massachusetts install and maintain automatic external defibrillators (AEDs). The bill requires these life-saving devices to be readily accessible and establishes standards for their placement, maintenance, and staff training.

Why is this important

Sudden cardiac arrest can be fatal within minutes, and AEDs significantly improve survival rates when deployed quickly. Public buildings serve thousands of residents and visitors daily, making them critical locations for emergency medical equipment. Standardizing AED availability across Norfolk County could save lives during medical emergencies.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and maintenance burden: Installation, regular maintenance, battery replacement, and staff training require ongoing funding that municipalities may struggle to absorb during budget constraints
  • Liability questions: Unclear responsibility allocation if an AED fails, is improperly maintained, or is misused; potential exposure for building operators
  • Implementation timeline and compliance: Smaller or older public buildings may face practical challenges retrofitting equipment, raising questions about deadline feasibility and enforcement mechanisms

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

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