Assembly Bill 310, aimed at enhancing safety measures in youth sports, took center stage during the California State Senate Health Committee meeting on July 2, 2025. The bill builds on the Nevaeh's Youth Sports Safety Act, which was enacted in 2023 following the tragic death of a young athlete due to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).

Assemblymember who presented the bill emphasized the critical need for timely intervention in SCA cases, noting that 92% of victims can die if not treated within minutes. AB 310 mandates that youth sports organizations have an automatic external defibrillator (AED) accessible during practices and games, alongside a written emergency response plan detailing safety procedures. The bill also requires coaches to be recertified on AED use every two years, ensuring that they are equipped to handle emergencies effectively.

Support for the bill was strong, with advocates like Greg Herner from the Save a Life Foundation, which was founded in memory of a young athlete who lost her life due to inadequate access to emergency equipment. The bill aims to prevent such tragedies by ensuring that AEDs are not only available but that staff are trained to use them.

While the bill's provisions are set to be implemented by 2028, there was disappointment expressed over a one-year delay in the requirement for youth sports teams to have AEDs on-site. Nonetheless, the committee members recognized the importance of the legislation, with several expressing their support and willingness to co-author the bill.

In addition to AB 310, the committee also discussed Assembly Bill 416, which seeks to empower emergency room physicians to place patients experiencing behavioral health crises on 5150 holds. This bill aims to alleviate overcrowding in emergency departments and ensure that patients receive timely care. However, it faced opposition from mental health advocates who raised concerns about the potential for increased involuntary institutionalization.

The discussions highlighted a growing recognition of the need for improved safety protocols in youth sports and better mental health crisis management in California. As these bills progress, they reflect a commitment to safeguarding the well-being of both young athletes and individuals facing mental health challenges.