Hochul signs legislation at Buffalo Bills training camp for schools to have cardiac emergency plans

Desha’s Law set to save countless lives by requiring implementation of cardiac emergency response plans

Submitted by the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul

Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed Desha’s Law (S.5539A/A.785A), a bill requiring every public school in New York to have a cardiac emergency response plan in place. The governor was joined by the bill’s sponsor, New York State Sen. April Baskin. The law named after Baskin’s late cousin, who tragically passed away at school.

The bill-signing took place at the Buffalo Bills training camp, where the governor was joined by Desha’s family, and leaders from the NFL and Buffalo Bills. Bills safety Damar Hamlin, the Bills, and NFL have been powerful advocates for heart health and implementing critical training and resources in schools and youth sports following Hamlin’s cardiac arrest in January 2023, in which he had to be resuscitated on the field during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Hochul previously signed legislation requiring camps and youth sports programs to establish automated external defibrillator, or AED, implementation plans, and to have at least one person trained to properly use the AED at camps, games and practice.

“Today is an important day in New York as we take a major step to protect our kids and school communities in the moments that matter most,” Hochul said. “No family should have to experience the heartbreak of losing a child when a life could have been saved. Desha’s Law will ensure our schools are prepared to respond in an emergency, giving every student a better chance at a healthy, active life. It is also another testament to New York’s commitment to getting kids off their phones and outside to play sports, have fun with their friends and experience life to the fullest.”

Desha’s Law (S.5539A/A.785A) requires school safety plans to include a cardiac emergency response plan that addresses the use of appropriate personnel and measures to respond to incidents involving any individual experiencing sudden cardiac arrest or similar life-threatening emergency on any school site owned or operated by a school or at a location of a school sponsored event.

Baskin said, “With the implementation of Desha's Law, a cardiac emergency response plan (CERP) – a detailed outline on what steps to take in a cardiac emergency – will be in place at every public school across the state. Thank you again, Gov. Hochul, for signing this vital legislation into law today. May Desha's memory save the lives of future student athletes and continue to live in all of our hearts forever.”

Anika Florence-Hall – Desha’s mother – said, “Our grief is deep, but knowing Desha inspired this legislation means so much. My family and I are grateful for the passage of this law. Desha will help so many others who I hope will never face the same kind of tragedy.”

Assembly member Michaelle Solages said, “Desha's Law is a vital bill that will enable our schools to proactively plan and safeguard our student-athletes. This bill is about preparation, not panic, and about empowering health officials and athletic staff to save lives. We have seen how instances of cardiac arrest impact families from all backgrounds – whether on the national level or right here in our local school districts. I am ecstatic that we have passed this bill and appreciate the partnership of Sen. April Baskin, the American Heart Association and Gov. Kathy Hochul.”

Hamlin said, “To know that my experience is leading to real change – not just for people I know, but for lives I may never meet – means the world to me. This is bigger than football. We’re putting the right systems in place to save lives, and that’s a legacy I’m proud to be part of.”

National Football League Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs Kenneth Edmonds said, “On behalf of the National Football League and the more than 40 organizations that make up the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, I applaud Gov. Hochul for signing this common-sense, life-saving measure. With this bill crossing the goal line and into law, New York’s school communities and scholastic athletic venues will be better prepared with a plan and the practice to swing into action and respond effectively to a cardiac emergency if it occurs. This is a victory for student safety.”

President of the American Red Cross Training Services Jack McMaster said, “This bill is a step towards making schools and communities across the country safer by ensuring access to AEDs, providing CPR training and creating emergency response plans. We are excited to be a part of the NFL Smart Heart Sports Coalition, which has advocated for this lifesaving legislation. We look forward to working with schools nationwide as they train for the moments that matter.”

As a part of the governor’s “Unplug and Play” initiative, the FY26 budget included an additional $15 million to support youth sports and youth development programs across the state, administered by the state Office for Children and Families. “Unplug and Play” also includes the partnership of OCFS and OMH to connect state-funded afterschool LEAPS program staff to vital mental health first aid training so they are able to best serve youth in their programs, meeting them where they are.

The governor also met with grade-school kids and teen counselors of the Primetime585 literacy and movement summer camp, who had the opportunity to attend Buffalo Bills training camp practice and discuss the importance of putting down their screens and getting on the field. PrimeTime585 Is one of the many programs that receive funding from the larger investment of $15 million in the FY26 budget to further support youth development and sports programming. PrimeTime585 works with kids and young adults to unite their community in the fight against racism and poverty.