A785A
Desha's Law - An act to amend the Education Law requiring school safety plans to include a cardiac emergency response plan — 2025-06-11 · Calendar #1401
The New York State Senate unanimously passed Assembly Bill 785A, known as 'Desha's Law,' which requires school safety plans to include cardiac emergency response protocols. The bill passed 59-0 following emotional testimony from Sen. Baskin, who recounted the 2008 death of 12-year-old Desha Sanders, who suffered cardiac arrest in her school gymnasium but could not be saved because an available automated external defibrillator could not be located due to the absence of an emergency response plan. The legislation builds on prior New York law establishing AEDs in schools and mandates training and clear accessibility measures for the devices. Desha's mother and stepfather attended the session to support the bill. The measure now goes to the Governor for signature.
PASSED
Ayes: 59
· Nays: 0
Debate Summary
Sen. Baskin spoke passionately in support of the bill, known as 'Desha's Law,' which mandates cardiac emergency response plans in New York schools. She recounted the story of Desha Sanders, a 12-year-old who died of cardiac arrest in 2008 when an AED was available but inaccessible due to lack of a lifesaving plan. The bill builds on prior legislation establishing AEDs in schools and ensures training and clear accessibility measures. Desha's family members were present in the gallery to support the legislation.