Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday signed legislation that requires camps and youth sports programs to establish automated external defibrillator (AED) implementation plans and to have at least one person trained to properly use the AED at camps, games and practices.

The legislation was supported by Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who in January collapsed on the field after going into cardiac arrest and was resuscitated on the field during a game in Cincinnati against the Bengals. 

Hamlin has been an advocate for the importance of CPR since the event.

“Growing up, in all the years that I played football, I don’t remember thinking about where an AED was located or who was trained to use one," Hamlin said a a statement. I think that many people have had the same experience. My journey has shown us that no one expects cardiac arrest to happen - and we all need to be prepared. By requiring that at least one person is trained to properly use an AED at every sports event, camp and practice, this new law will help protect tens of thousands of kids in New York State - and is a really important step in saving lives.”  

In May, he announced that millions of dollars that were donated to online fundraising campaigns after his on-field collapse would be used to fund his own nonprofit, the Chasing M’s Foundation.

In October, he launched a new fundraising campaign through his foundation in an effort to help save lives by distributing no-cost AEDs and CPR education. 

"We all remember the terrifying moment when Damar Hamlin was injured last January, but young athletes at schools and camps could be exposed to similar risks," Hochul said in a statement. "By requiring camps and youth sports programs to establish an AED implementation plan, kids will be safer and teams will be prepared. I want every parent in New York to know: we're doing everything we can to keep your kids safe." 

According to the governor's office, camps and youth sports programs with five or more teams participating are required to establish an AED implementation plan. The plans will detail how AEDs will be made accessible at every camp, game or practice. Camps and programs must ensure that at least one employee, volunteer, coach, umpire or other qualified adult who has successfully completed a training course in the operation of an AED is present. 

The legislation was sponsored by Sen. Shelley Mayer, a Westchester Democrat who chairs the Senate Education Committee.

“I am pleased that New York State will now require camps and many youth sport programs and leagues to develop a plan for AED access at all of their practices, games, and other events," Mayer said in a statement. "More than 7,000 children experience cardiac emergencies each year, and too often an AED is not available. This legislation will make these programs safer and provide parents and young athletes with peace of mind. This issue is personal to so many New Yorkers –– Dana Colasante and Alice Schoen, two of my constituents, advocated for this bill after their close family members went into cardiac arrest at youth sporting events. Dana’s husband and Alice’s son thankfully survived because an AED was available, and they could receive immediate care. I am proud to have fought for this legislation alongside them and Assemblyman Otis to ensure other lives can be saved. I want to thank Governor Kathy Hochul for signing it into law today.”