New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S1252

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

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

Impact

The implementation of S1252 is expected to have a significant impact on community safety protocols concerning youth athletic events. By requiring AEDs to be present, the bill not only enhances emergency preparedness but also aims to reduce the potential consequences of sudden cardiac incidents among youth athletes. Compliance is facilitated through the provision that on-site emergency responders, such as certified emergency services providers or licensed athletic trainers, will satisfy the AED requirement. This aspect underscores the bill's commitment to maintaining safety standards without placing an undue burden on local organizations.

Summary

Senate Bill 1252, titled the 'Michael Fisher Law,' aims to enhance public safety at youth athletic events by mandating that local recreation departments and nonprofit youth-serving organizations maintain an automated external defibrillator (AED) on-site during these events. This legislation responds to the critical need for immediate medical assistance in cases of cardiac emergencies that can occur in youth sports contexts, recognizing the unique risks involved in physical activities for young athletes. The requirement applies to events held on public fields managed by these organizations, ensuring broad coverage across various youth sports programs.

Contention

There are potential points of contention surrounding the legislation, particularly regarding the implications for liability. The bill promotes immunity from civil liability for recreation departments, their staff, and volunteer personnel related to the acquisition and use of AEDs. While this might alleviate concerns for organizations regarding potential lawsuits following an incident, critics may argue that it could lead to complacency in ensuring proper training and maintenance of AEDs. The balance between promoting access to emergency equipment and ensuring accountability is likely to be a focal point in discussions as the bill progresses through the legislative process.

Companion Bills

NJ A1167

Same As Requires local recreation departments and youth serving organizations to have defibrillators for youth athletic events.

NJ S1210

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

NJ A2505

Carry Over Requires local recreation departments and youth serving organizations to have defibrillators for youth athletic events.

NJ S2001

Carry Over Requires local recreation departments and youth serving organizations to have defibrillators for youth athletic events.

Previously Filed As

NJ S2001

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

NJ S3592

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

NJ A4697

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

NJ A1167

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

NJ A2505

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

NJ S1210

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

NJ A3501

Establishes requirements for certain nonprofit youth-serving athletic organizations.

NJ AB1

Youth athletics: California Youth Football Act.

NJ HB6019

Recreation: athletics and sports; safety standards for youth sports programs; provide for. Creates new act.

NJ HB4371

Recreation: athletics and sports; safety standards for youth sports programs; provide for. Creates new act.

Similar Bills

NJ A2845

Requires NJT to equip trains with defibrillators.

PA HB1203

In grounds and buildings, providing for automated external defibrillator placement, inspection, maintenance and plan; in school health services, further providing for automatic external defibrillators; and, in charter schools, further providing for provisions applicable to charter schools and for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.

PA SB512

In grounds and buildings, providing for automated external defibrillator placement, inspection, maintenance and plan; in school health services, further providing for automatic external defibrillators; and, in charter schools, further providing for provisions applicable to charter schools and for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.

PA SB620

In grounds and buildings, providing for automated external defibrillator placement, inspection, maintenance and plan; in school health services, further providing for automatic external defibrillators; and, in charter schools, further providing for provisions applicable to charter schools and for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.

NJ S3808

Requires NJT to equip trains with defibrillators.

NJ A274

Requires NJT to equip trains with defibrillators.

NJ S883

Requires NJT to equip trains with defibrillators.

HI HB2604

Relating To School Safety.