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6/10/2025
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Fellela, Dimitri bill to require automatic external defibrillators on golf courses signed into law
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STATE HOUSE — Legislation introduced by Rep. Deborah A. Fellela and Sen. Andrew R. Dimitri that mandates automatic external defibrillators on golf courses has become law.
The David Casey Act (2025-H 5083A, 2025-S 0475A) named for a Johnston golfer who suffered a fatal heart attack on the 18th hole of the Cranston Country Club in 2023, adds public and private golf courses to the list of places were AEDs are required by law.
“David’s death was tragic, and has mobilized his widow, Betsy, to become an advocate for AEDs on all golf courses,” said Representative Fellela (D-Dist. 43, Johnston). “She wants to make sure that David’s death makes a difference, and if we save even one life, we reach that goal.”
“Many people who suffer sudden cardiac arrest have no history of heart disease, and since for every minute delay before an AED or CPR is used on a victim of cardiac arrest their chance of resuscitation decreases by 10 percent, it is essential that AEDs are available in public places where athletic activity is happening,” said Senator Dimitri (D-Dist. 25, Johnston).
Dr. Jerome Larkin, director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, testified in favor of the legislation, telling the House and Senate committees on Health and Human Services that “using AEDs and cardiopulmonary resuscitation within minutes of cardiac arrest can dramatically improve survival rates.”
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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