Governor Kathy Hochul has signed Desha’s Law, requiring all public schools in New York to have a cardiac emergency response plan. The bill, S.5539A/A.785A, was signed at the Buffalo Bills Training Camp with the presence of Senator April Baskin, the bill’s sponsor and cousin of Desha, who passed away at school. Family members, leaders from the NFL and Buffalo Bills, and advocates for heart health were also present.
The law mandates that each public school safety plan includes procedures to respond to sudden cardiac arrest or similar emergencies on school property or during school events. This builds on earlier legislation signed by Governor Hochul that requires camps and youth sports programs to have automated external defibrillator (AED) implementation plans and trained personnel at events.
“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,” Governor 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.”
Senator April N.M. Baskin stated, “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 Governor 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.”
Desha’s mother, Anika Florence-Hall 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.”
Assemblymember Michaelle Solages added, “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 Senator April Baskin, the American Heart Association, and Governor Kathy Hochul.”
Buffalo Bills Safety Damar Hamlin commented on his personal connection: “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.”
Kenneth Edmonds from the National Football League said: “On behalf of the National Football League and the more than 40 organizations that make up the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, I applaud Governor 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.”
Jack McMaster from American Red Cross Training Services noted: “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.”
New York State Office of Children and Family Services Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden said: “I applaud Governor Hochul for signing this critical legislation that will help ensure the health and safety of our state’s children while they are participating in school activities. This significant initiative is another example of the Governor’s deep commitment to enabling all children to have a healthy and physically active life…”
Nancy Brown from American Heart Association stated: “As our Nation of Lifesavers Ambassador Damar Hamlin and the entire Buffalo Bills organization knows… saving lives from sudden cardiac arrest depends on having a strong chain of survival across the emergency response system…”
The new law follows several initiatives under Governor Hochul aimed at improving youth physical activity levels through programs like “Unplug and Play.” The FY26 budget includes an additional $15 million administered by NYS Office for Children & Families supporting youth sports statewide; funding was also secured for new Youth Safe Spaces where young people can access support services.
Governor Hochul has expanded mental health support through initiatives such as nearly 1,200 School-Based Mental Health Clinics now serving approximately 25 percent of public schools statewide; there are also expanded home-based crisis intervention services designed for families facing behavioral health emergencies.
Other recent measures include efforts encouraging children across New York State through campaigns like “Get Offline, Get Outside,” which promote recreation over screen time.
