Requires certain golf courses to maintain automated external defibrillator.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Carmen Morales

Requires certain NJ golf courses to have and maintain AEDs, train staff in CPR/AED, notify EMS, and follow safety procedures to improve emergency response.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Committee

Summary of Bill A 2296 (Session 222) – New Jersey

Purpose and intent

This bill requires certain golf courses to maintain automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and to implement related safety and training measures.

The overarching goal is to improve emergency responsiveness to sudden cardiac events on golf courses.

Key definitions

Golf course: Publicly-owned or privately-owned land with a regulation-sized, minimum 18-hole course (mostly par-4s with a mix of par-3 and par-5), open to the general public. Excludes 9-hole courses, executive courses, par-3 courses, driving ranges, miniature golf, or similar small facilities.

Requirements for golf courses (to take effect within 1 year after the act’s effective date)

AED procurement and placement

Owner/operator must acquire at least one AED.
AED must be stored in an accessible location known to employees.
AED must be tested and maintained in accordance with applicable standards.
Responsible parties must notify the appropriate EMS provider (first aid, ambulance, rescue squad, or other EMS) about the AED’s existence, type, and location.

Training and onsite certification

The owner/operator must arrange and pay for CPR and AED training for golf course employees.
At least one on-site employee during normal business hours must hold current CPR and AED certification from:
- American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or other program recognized by the Department of Health.
Any employee who uses an AED must immediately seek emergency medical assistance from the appropriate EMS provider.

Penalties and enforcement

Civil penalties for violations:

First violation: at least $250.
Second violation: at least $500.
Third and subsequent violations: at least $1,000 each.

Penalties collected under the state Penalty Enforcement Law and administered by the local health agency; penalties go to the municipality where the violation occurred.

Enforcement may be conducted by local health officials or law enforcement with authority to issue summons.

Immunity

Golf courses are immune from civil or criminal liability for malfunctions of an AED that has been properly maintained and tested per manufacturer guidelines (and in line with the act’s requirements).

This immunity is in addition to existing immunity provisions already in state law.

Administrative and effective dates

The Commissioner of Health will adopt regulations to implement the act under the Administrative Procedure Act.

The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Practical impact

Affects: Publicly or privately operated 18-hole (or larger) golf courses open to the public in New Jersey.

Obligations: Purchase and maintain AEDs, implement EMS notification procedures, ensure CPR/AED training for staff, and maintain staff Certification.

Compliance timeline: AED acquisition, maintenance, and notification requirements must be in place within one year of the act’s effective date.

Penalties create a financial incentive to comply; noncompliance could lead to escalating fines.

Legal risk is mitigated by AED-related immunity if the device is properly maintained and used according to guidelines.

Sponsor

Co-sponsor: Carmen Morales

Introduced and referred to the Assembly Health Committee on 2026-01-13

This bill is focused on operationalizing AED readiness at larger golf facilities to improve emergency outcomes during cardiac events.