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Bill

S 583

Requires institution of higher education to have automatic external defibrillator on premises of each athletic facility and student center.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Beach

New Jersey colleges must install automatic external defibrillators in all athletic facilities and student centers to improve emergency cardiac response on campus.

Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee
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Bill Summary · S 583

Legislative bill overview

S 583 mandates that all New Jersey colleges and universities install automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) in every athletic facility and student center on their campuses. The bill establishes a equipment requirement designed to improve emergency response capabilities for sudden cardiac events among the student population.

Why is this important

Sudden cardiac arrest can occur in young, seemingly healthy individuals, and survival rates increase dramatically when AEDs are deployed within the first few minutes. This requirement addresses a potential gap in emergency preparedness at institutions where large numbers of students gather and participate in physical activities, which are common sites for cardiac events.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Institutions must purchase and maintain AEDs across multiple facilities, plus train staff on usage; costs vary but could strain budgets at smaller colleges
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill doesn't specify what constitutes a "student center," potentially affecting how broadly institutions must comply
  • Maintenance and training requirements: The bill doesn't detail ongoing maintenance schedules, battery replacement, or mandatory staff/student training protocols, creating enforcement challenges
  • One-size-fits-all approach: Colleges with decentralized campuses or multiple smaller facilities may face disproportionate costs compared to compact campuses

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

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