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Bill

S 1210

Requires automatic external defibrillators on-site at certain places of public assembly and youth athletic events.*

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Beach and 6 co-sponsors

Requires New Jersey public venues and youth sports facilities to maintain on-site automatic external defibrillators for emergency cardiac response, increasing survival odds but imposing maintenance and training costs on operators.

Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee
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Bill Summary · S 1210

Legislative bill overview

S 1210 mandates that automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) be physically present and accessible at designated public assembly venues and youth athletic events throughout New Jersey. The bill establishes requirements for placement, maintenance, and operator training to ensure these life-saving devices are available during emergencies.

Why is this important

Sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone, and AEDs significantly increase survival rates when deployed within minutes of collapse. This legislation addresses a critical gap in emergency response infrastructure by standardizing AED availability across high-traffic public spaces where large numbers of people—particularly youth—gather, potentially saving dozens of lives annually.

Potential points of contention

  • Facility burden and costs: Venues must purchase, maintain, train staff on, and regularly inspect AEDs, creating ongoing financial obligations that may strain smaller community facilities and youth athletic organizations
  • Definition scope ambiguity: The bill's definition of "places of public assembly" and which youth events qualify remains subject to interpretation, creating compliance uncertainty for borderline facilities
  • Liability and Good Samaritan protections: Unclear whether the bill adequately protects facility operators and untrained bystanders who attempt to use AEDs, potentially creating legal exposure rather than confidence

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

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