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Bill

S 4724

Ensures identical health benefits for public retirees

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pat Fahy and 1 co-sponsor

Requires 18-hole New Jersey golf courses to have and maintain one AED, train staff in CPR/AED, notify EMS, and face penalties for noncompliance; immunity if properly maintained.

REPORTED AND COMMITTED TO FINANCE
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Bill Summary · S 4724

Summary of Bill S 4724 (New Jersey)

Title and Purpose

  • Title: An Act concerning golf courses and automated external defibrillators (AEDs)
  • Purpose: To require certain golf courses to acquire, maintain, and facilitate use of AEDs, and to ensure CPR/AED training for on-site staff, thereby improving emergency response capabilities for players, staff, and visitors.

Key Provisions

1) Definition

  • Defines “golf course” as publicly-owned or privately-owned land containing a regulation-sized, minimum 18-hole course, open to the general public, with exclusions for 9-hole courses, executive courses, par-3 courses, driving ranges, miniature golf, and similar facilities.

2) AED Requirements (within one year)

  • Owners/operators of qualifying golf courses must:
    • Acquire at least one AED and store it in an accessible location known to employees.
    • Ensure AED is tested and maintained.
    • Notify the appropriate EMS provider (first aid, ambulance, rescue squad, etc.) about the AED type and location.

3) Training and Availability

  • The golf course must:
    • Arrange and pay for CPR and AED training for employees.
    • Ensure at least one on-site employee during normal business hours holds current CPR/AED certification (recognized programs include American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or other programs recognized by the Department of Health).
    • Ensure an employee who uses an AED requests emergency medical assistance as soon as practicable.

4) Penalties

  • Violations trigger civil penalties:
    • First violation: at least $250
    • Second violation: at least $500
    • Third and subsequent violations: at least $1,000
  • Penalties collected under the State “Penalty Enforcement Law” and paid to the municipal treasury where the violation occurred.

5) Immunity

  • Golf courses are immune from civil or criminal liability for malfunctions of an AED if the device was maintained and tested per manufacturer guidelines.
  • Immunity is in addition to any existing immunity under related statute.

6) Administration and Implementation

  • The Commissioner of Health must adopt rules and regulations to effectuate the act (Administrative Procedure Act process).

7) Effective Date

  • The act takes effect immediately.

Stakeholders and Impact

  • Who is affected: Owners/operators of qualifying 18-hole golf courses open to the general public in New Jersey.
  • Impact on operations: Requires capital expenditure for at least one AED, ongoing maintenance and testing, EMS notification, and CPR/AED training for staff.
  • Enforcement: Local officials can issue penalties; fines fund municipal treasury.
  • Liability: Provides immunity from certain civil/criminal liability related to AED malfunctions when procedures are followed.

Legislative Status and Sponsors

  • Status: Introduced Oct 20, 2025; referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee; later reported and committed to Finance.
  • Sponsors: Joseph F. Vitale (primary), Patricia Fahy (primary), Patrick J. Diegnan (cosponsor), Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (cosponsor).

Related Bills

  • Companion: A 5915
  • Related prior-session bills: S 8192, S 4465, A 6091

This bill aims to enhance on-site medical emergency readiness at major golf courses by mandating AEDs, staff training, and clear reporting, with penalties for non-compliance and liability protections for compliant facilities.

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

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