Committee unanimously approves bill requiring AEDs at utility worksites

Representative Ortiz High, sponsor of House Bill 24 80, told the committee the measure is aimed at protecting line workers who do hazardous outdoor work. "Line workers do some of the toughest and most dangerous work out there," Ortiz High said, arguing that immediate access to an AED could save lives in rural areas where hospitals are far away.

Staff summary read into the record described the bill's requirement: "This bill requires utilities to ensure that at least 1 automated external defibrillator or AED is readily available and operable at each worksite," and the committee considered an amendment to address operational questions. Representative Metzger described the amendment as a practical change to specify placement on vehicles and to ensure contractors comply with the requirement.

After brief discussion, the committee reported no negative votes and adopted the Metzger amendment. The committee then voted to pass House Bill 24 80 as amended; the chair announced the bill passed unanimously. Training on AED use, the sponsor said, would be provided at no cost to workers through recognized programs such as the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association.

The committee did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript; the chair announced the outcome on the floor. The bill moves forward as passed by the committee.