Sen. Deschambault bill to create public registry of AEDs signed into law

AUGUSTA — On Tuesday, Gov. Janet Mills signed into law a bill sponsored by Sen. Susan Deschambault, D-Biddeford, to create a registry of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). LD 797, “An Act To Create a Registry To Improve Access to Automated External Defibrillators,” will go into effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns sine die.

“The idea for this bill came from a constituent of mine,” said Sen. Deschambault. “She, unfortunately, lost her husband to cardiac arrest while he was in a pharmacy. She believes that if they had access to an AED in his moment of crisis, he might be alive today. LD 797 has a simple purpose, but it could have a major impact on Mainers’ safety. I am grateful that Gov. Mills signed this bill into law.”

LD 797 would create a registry of AEDs that are publicly accessible so laypeople and emergency responders alike can find out where these AEDs are located in an emergency. The Department of Public Safety would be responsible for maintaining this registry.

Sen. Deschambault submitted a similar bill during the 129th Legislature, LD 1169, which passed in the House and the Senate, but ultimately was called back from the Governor’s desk and died when the Legislature adjourned early due to COVID-19. 

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