Spectrum Local News: Bill requiring AEDs at youth sports programs awaits action by Hochul

This week, Bronny James, the 18-year-old son of basketball star LeBron James, suffered cardiac arrest during a college basketball practice. James was brought to a hospital and is in stable condition thanks to quick medical intervention. This comes months after Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest and was revived during a nationally televised football game.

The incidents are putting on focus on the equipment that first responders have to respond to these incidents, including AEDs. Sen. Shelley Mayer, a Westchester Democrat who chairs the Senate Education Committee, sponsors legislation that would require AEDs at camps and youth sports games and practices and told Capital Tonight that legislation like this is designed to “give parents confidence that when their child plays on one of these teams, that someone is there watching over them and ensuring that if something bad happens an AED will be available.”

Right now, there is no legal requirement for non-public schools to have an AED on campus. Mayer says that she is working on a bill that will change that requirement.

According to the Simon’s Heart project Got AED, these life-saving devices can cost anywhere between $1,100 and $2,500. Mayer says that she is “very open” to a conversation about state help for organizations that may need assistance in purchasing them.

The bill passed both chambers of the state legislature but has not yet been delivered to the governor. Once the bill is delivered to the governor, she will have 10 days to either sign or veto the legislation.