Gov. Shapiro Signs New Law Impacting Nearly 1,500 PA Schools

HARRISBURG, PA — Gov. Josh Shapiro has signed into law legislation designed to increase safety standards at school athletic events.

Shapiro on Wednesday signed Senate Bill 375, which requires all Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association member schools to have an automatic external defibrillator present at all PIAA events.

"In youth athletes, sudden cardiac arrest is often caused by underlying, undiagnosed cardiac abnormalities," Rosemary Brown, the Lackawanna County Republican senator who was the bill's primary sponsor, said in a memo to colleagues regarding the legislation.

"When these conditions are identified, young athletes may be restricted from participating in competitive events to prevent serious incidents. However, if such abnormalities are missed, and proper precautions are not in place, sudden cardiac arrest can tragically occur — even in those who appear young, healthy, and fit.

"Automated External Defibrillators are a proven, life-saving technology that can dramatically improve survival rates following cardiac arrest. Prioritizing this initiative ensures we are responsibly protecting our student-athletes, coaches and visitors."

An AED was essential in saving the life of a Hollidaysburg High School football player in 2024, according to the Altoona Mirror.

How much of an impact will the new law have on schools across the state?

According to the organization's website, the membership of PIAA consists of 1,431 schools, of which 583 are senior high schools and 594 are junior high/middle schools.

Forty are charter senior high schools, 144 are private senior high schools, 17 are charter junior high/middle schools, and 53 are private junior high/middle schools.

More than 350,000 students participate in interscholastic athletics at all levels (varsity, junior varsity or otherwise) of competition under PIAA jurisdiction.