Governor Polis signs SB25-191 advancing cardiac safety in Colorado high school athletics

DENVER, May 9, 2025 — The American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health, issued the following statement in response to the passage of SB 25-191, Cardiac Emergency Plans for School Sports. This bill advances Colorado’s efforts around Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and cardiac emergency response in schools.

“Governor Jared Polis took a significant step towards enhancing the safety of Colorado’s athletes by signing SB 25-191 into law. SB 25-191 advances AED initiatives by mandating schools adhere to nationally recognized AED guidelines, ensuring devices are in unlocked known locations, maintained, and reachable within three minutes during cardiac emergencies. Additionally, it modernizes state requirements by removing the need for physician signatures and lists of authorized AED users.

The American Heart Association is proud to be part of a coalition of organizations that supported SB 25-191. The Association is also thankful for the support of bill sponsors Sen. Roberts, Sen. Jodeh, Rep. Lukens and Rep. Gilchrist.

The American Heart Association and the bill sponsors remain committed to advocating for increased measures that ensure every child has access to lifesaving resources during cardiac emergencies. They are committed to returning to the 2026 Colorado legislative sessions to push for stronger regulations that would require schools to have AEDs on their property and ensure AEDs are present anywhere high school athletics take place.”

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

For Media Inquiries:

Lyndsey Albright: 303-801-4650; Lyndsey.Albright@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org