Requires all trains and stations operated by the Long Island Rail Road and the Metro-North Commuter Railroad Company have automated external defibrillators

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Keith Brown and 1 co-sponsor

Requires AEDs on every LIRR and Metro-North train and at every station, enabling faster life-saving response for riders and staff during cardiac emergencies.

REFERRED TO CORPORATIONS, AUTHORITIES AND COMMISSIONS

Bill Summary — A 7041

Overview

Bill A 7041 would require that all trains and stations operated by the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and the Metro-North Commuter Railroad Company have automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The bill was introduced on March 20, 2025 and referred to the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions. The primary sponsor is Keith Brown, with Joe DeStefano listed as a cosponsor. A related bill from a prior session is A 10242.

Purpose and Intent

Improve immediate response to cardiac emergencies by ensuring AEDs are available on all trains and at all stations operated by LIRR and Metro-North.

Enhance public safety for riders, employees, and staff by increasing access to life-saving devices during sudden cardiac events.

Key Provisions (Based on Bill Title)

Mandate installation of Automated External Defibrillators on every train operated by LIRR and every train operated by Metro-North.

Mandate installation of AEDs at every station operated by LIRR and Metro-North.

The bill specifies the devices must be available for use and presumably maintained, though the exact requirements (placement, maintenance schedules, accessibility, and staff/employee training) would be detailed in the full text or implementing rules.

Note: The precise operational details (e.g., maintenance frequency, training requirements for staff, location requirements within trains and at stations, signage, and accessibility) would be clarified in the bill’s full text or subsequent regulations.

Affected Entities and Beneficiaries

Primary entities: Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Commuter Railroad Company.

Beneficiaries: Riders, station staff, train crews, and other onsite personnel who would have AED access during cardiac emergencies.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduced: March 20, 2025.

Status: Referred to the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions (the committee has not yet reported the bill).

Legislative path: As a committee-referred bill, it would undergo committee review, potential amendments, and then floor consideration if advanced.

Potential Impact

Public Health and Safety: Potentially faster response to cardiac events, possibly improving survival rates.

Operational Considerations: Requirement could entail initial procurement of AED units, ongoing maintenance, battery replacements, and potential staff training obligations.

Fiscal Impact: Not stated; likely to be reviewed in committee during fiscal analyses and budgeting discussions.

Related Legislation

A 10242 (prior-session) indicates a related measure carried over or reintroduced in a new session, suggesting bipartisan or long-standing interest in equipping commuter rail systems with AEDs.

Notes

This summary reflects information available from the bill’s title, description, and listed actions. The full legislative text would provide exact specifications on device placement, maintenance, training, funding, and enforcement.