(Caption for Photo: The Millcreek Township School District in Erie County received 10 automated external defibrillators in 2025 to place at each of the district’s buildings. The cost was covered by AEDGrant.com and LECOM Health. Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Millcreek Education Foundation)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Pennsylvania schools will be required to ensure defibrillators are available at all Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association sporting events and to develop emergency response plans for cardiac arrests under new statewide safety requirements.

Governor Josh Shapiro signed the measure Wednesday. The law is named for a Monroe County teenager who suffered cardiac arrest and died during a high school basketball game more than 25 years ago.

Following his death, his mother has advocated for expanded access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in schools and public gathering spaces.

The legislation, sponsored by state Sen. Rosemary Brown, requires AEDs at all PIAA-sanctioned competitions and practices. It also mandates that schools develop cardiac emergency response plans and conduct annual drills.