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Bill

S 1473

An Act requiring automatic external defibrillators in Norfolk County public buildings

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Rush

Requires all Norfolk County public buildings to install and maintain accessible automatic external defibrillators to improve emergency cardiac response capability.

Read second and ordered to a third reading
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Bill Summary · S 1473

Legislative bill overview

S 1473 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 accessible during business hours and establishes standards for training and maintenance of the equipment.

Why is this important

Sudden cardiac arrest kills thousands annually, and AED access within the first few minutes of an incident significantly improves survival rates. This legislation directly addresses a public health gap by ensuring emergency response infrastructure in government facilities where employees and the public regularly gather.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost burden: Installation, maintenance, training, and periodic replacement of AEDs represent ongoing expenses for municipalities already facing budget constraints
  • Liability questions: Unclear whether the bill specifies liability protections for buildings and staff if an AED fails or is improperly used
  • Implementation scope: "Public buildings" definition may be ambiguous—does it cover all county buildings, municipal buildings, or specific facility types?
  • Training requirements: Mandating AED availability without clear training and certification standards could create liability risks if devices are used ineffectively

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

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