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Bill

MD

Bill

A 4697

Requires local recreation departments, youth serving organizations, and youth camps to have defibrillators for youth athletic events.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Margie Donlon and 6 co-sponsors

New Jersey bill requires recreation departments, youth organizations, and camps to provide defibrillators at youth athletic events to improve cardiac emergency response.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee
#health #sports
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Bill Summary · A 4697

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 4697 mandates that local recreation departments, youth-serving organizations, and youth camps maintain defibrillators (automated external defibrillators, or AEDs) accessible during youth athletic events. The bill establishes a safety requirement across multiple youth activity settings in New Jersey to enable rapid response to sudden cardiac events.

Why is this important

Sudden cardiac arrest can strike young, apparently healthy athletes with little warning, and survival rates drop approximately 7-10% for every minute without defibrillation. Requiring AEDs at youth athletic events could be lifesaving, as early defibrillation is one of the most critical factors in cardiac arrest survival. Currently, no statewide mandate ensures consistent AED availability across all youth athletic settings in New Jersey.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and Implementation Burden: AEDs cost $1,000-$2,500 per unit, plus maintenance and training expenses; smaller organizations and rural recreation departments may struggle with compliance costs
  • Scope and Definition Ambiguity: The bill may lack clarity on which organizations qualify as "youth-serving," what constitutes an "athletic event," and whether informal or recreational activities are included
  • Maintenance and Training Requirements: The bill doesn't specify who maintains devices, conducts staff training, or ensures compliance, potentially creating liability questions and operational confusion

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

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