The Ohio-ACC advocated for House Bill 47 to require Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public and chartered nonpublic schools, youth sports organizations, and municipal sports and recreation locations. The legislation passed and was signed into law. As a next step, the Ohio Department of Health has developed a Model Emergency Action Plan for the Use of the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) by public and chartered nonpublic schools, youth sports organizations, and municipal sports and recreation locations. The model and other resources are available on ODH’s website (https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/sudden-cardiac-arrest/model-action-plan).

Under the new law, which took effect on October 24, 2024, AEDs must be placed in both of the following:

• Each public and chartered nonpublic school.
• Each municipal sports and recreation location, except in townships and villages with populations of less than 5,000.

More information about HB 47, including the full text of the new law, is available on the Ohio General Assembly’s website.