The California State Assembly passed Assembly Bill 310 on March 6, requiring youth athletic programs to provide access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs), maintain written emergency response plans that identify AED locations, and ensure coaches receive training and AED maintenance/testing.

Assemblymember Alanis, the bill's author, said AB 310 builds on last year’s Nevaeh Youth Sports Safety Act and aims to reduce deaths from sudden cardiac arrest, which she described as “the number one killer of student athletes.” Alanis told colleagues the measure would “ensure youth athletic programs provide access to an AED during practice, games and events” and require written plans that “include the location of the AED” and standard procedures for cardiac emergencies.

Supporters told the Assembly that quick intervention is critical in cardiac events and that AEDs are straightforward to use. Alanis said the bill requires organizations to “properly maintain, test their AEDs and ensure coaches are provided sufficient training in the use of this equipment.” She also said the measure had bipartisan backing on the floor.

The clerk opened the roll for final passage; the measure passed on a recorded vote, Ayes 56, Noes 0. The clerk later corrected an initial misstatement of the tally before announcing the final count.

AB 310 summary details are limited to the provisions discussed on the floor: access to an AED, a written emergency response plan naming AED location and standard procedures, routine maintenance and testing of AEDs, and coach training. The bill’s text, implementing timeline, enforcement mechanisms and penalties (if any) were not specified during the floor presentation and are not reported here.

Assemblymember Alanis: “Parents and kids should never have to question whether coaches have the equipment or the training to administer life saving care in an emergency.”

Votes at a glance on AB 310: passage 56–0; outcome: approved.