New legislation has been signed into Pennsylvania law to combat sudden cardiac arrest, the leading cause of death in young athletes. State Sen. Rosemary Brown announced Act 17 of 2026, known as Greg Moyer’s Law, was approved by Gov. Josh Shapiro on May 13. The bill requires automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, to be available at all Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association-sanctioned athletic events and practices. Brown said the law follows more than a decade of advocacy tied to the legacy of Greg Moyer, who died from sudden cardiac arrest during a high school basketball game. New school requirements Under the law, schools must have AEDs on hand at all PIAA-sanctioned practices and events. Schools are also required to develop and rehearse emergency action plans for cardiac incidents. Brown said the law is intended to improve emergency preparedness and better protect student athletes across Pennsylvania.”Sudden cardiac arrest remains the leading cause of death among young athletes, and we know that immediate access to an AED can save lives,” Brown said. “This law ensures schools are better prepared to respond in an emergency and helps make these critical protections standard in every community.” Brown said the law’s protections extend beyond student-athletes. “Not only does this law help protect student athletes, but it also provides important protections for coaches, spectators and all visitors in the event of a cardiac emergency,” she stated.Honoring Greg Moyer’s legacy Brown credited Greg Moyer’s family with helping push the legislation forward through the General Assembly. “I’m incredibly grateful to Greg’s parents, Rachel and John Moyer, and his sisters, Abbie and Katie Moyer, whose advocacy, strength and dedication were the driving force behind this legislation,” Brown said. Rachel Moyer, Greg’s mother and an advocate for AED access in schools, said the law will help protect children and preserve her son’s legacy.”This law honors my son Greg and ensures that his legacy will continue to save lives,” Moyer said. “We are grateful to everyone who recognized the importance of protecting our children and ensuring schools are prepared to respond when every second matters.”She said the law also honors families who have been affected by sudden cardiac arrest. See news happening? Send us your photos or videos if it’s safe to do so at https://www.wgal.com/upload.
New legislation has been signed into Pennsylvania law to combat sudden cardiac arrest, the leading cause of death in young athletes.
State Sen. Rosemary Brown announced Act 17 of 2026, known as Greg Moyer’s Law, was approved by Gov. Josh Shapiro on May 13.
The bill requires automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, to be available at all Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association-sanctioned athletic events and practices.
Brown said the law follows more than a decade of advocacy tied to the legacy of Greg Moyer, who died from sudden cardiac arrest during a high school basketball game.
New school requirements
Under the law, schools must have AEDs on hand at all PIAA-sanctioned practices and events.
Schools are also required to develop and rehearse emergency action plans for cardiac incidents.
ThamKC
Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
Brown said the law is intended to improve emergency preparedness and better protect student athletes across Pennsylvania.
“Sudden cardiac arrest remains the leading cause of death among young athletes, and we know that immediate access to an AED can save lives,” Brown said. “This law ensures schools are better prepared to respond in an emergency and helps make these critical protections standard in every community.”
Brown said the law’s protections extend beyond student-athletes.
“Not only does this law help protect student athletes, but it also provides important protections for coaches, spectators and all visitors in the event of a cardiac emergency,” she stated.
Honoring Greg Moyer’s legacy
Brown credited Greg Moyer’s family with helping push the legislation forward through the General Assembly.
“I’m incredibly grateful to Greg’s parents, Rachel and John Moyer, and his sisters, Abbie and Katie Moyer, whose advocacy, strength and dedication were the driving force behind this legislation,” Brown said.
Rachel Moyer, Greg’s mother and an advocate for AED access in schools, said the law will help protect children and preserve her son’s legacy.
“This law honors my son Greg and ensures that his legacy will continue to save lives,” Moyer said. “We are grateful to everyone who recognized the importance of protecting our children and ensuring schools are prepared to respond when every second matters.”
She said the law also honors families who have been affected by sudden cardiac arrest.
Wacharaphong
Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
See news happening? Send us your photos or videos if it’s safe to do so at https://www.wgal.com/upload.