This week, the Senate passed legislation to help schools across Pennsylvania prevent tragic deaths from sudden cardiac arrest among student-athletes.

Senate Bill 375 would require schools to have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) available at all PIAA-sanctioned athletic events and practices. It also calls for schools to develop and rehearse emergency response plans for cardiac incidents.

Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in young athletes, and access to an AED can increase survival rates by up to 70%. The vote brings PA one step closer to making AEDs and emergency planning standard, not optional, in our schools.

This bill was initiated to honor the life of Greg Moyer, who tragically passed away from sudden cardiac arrest during a high school basketball game. His story is a heartbreaking reminder of why preparedness matters. Greg’s mother, Rachel Moyer, has long advocated for AED access in schools and offered heartfelt thanks for the bill’s passage, “This bill honors my son Greg, and all the children lost to sudden cardiac arrest. For every parent who has faced this unimaginable loss, this is for you. The beat will go on.”

Senate Bill 375 now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.