PRIA Logo™
MarylandHB 02762026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

State Emergency Medical Services Board - Public Access Automated External Defibrillator Program - Revisions

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Public HealthAwareness and OutreachCommittees and CommissionsEmergency Medical Services -see also- Ambul; RescSqdFood -see also- Meat, Poultry, & Seafood; Milk; etc.FormsJob Training -see also- Continuing Ed; Vocational RehabLaw Enforcement -see also- SRO; Sheriffs; State PoliceMedical Equipment and DevicesMotor Vehicles -see also- Aband Veh; Ambulances; Buses; etc.RestaurantsRetail Sales

Your PRIA Score

Score Hidden

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to start

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.

Legal protection for AED helpers

Beginning October 1, 2026, registered entities with a valid certificate get civil immunity for AED-related acts or omissions. People who give AED help in good faith, without pay, and in a reasonably careful way also get immunity. Immunity does not cover gross negligence, willful or wanton misconduct, or intentional wrongdoing.

AED coordinators, plans, and reporting

Beginning October 1, 2026, certified entities must have a written AED plan that requires calling 911 as soon as possible after use. They must follow Board rules on AED placement, maintenance, operation, and reporting. Each entity must name an AED Coordinator to keep devices and supplies working per the manufacturer and FDA, and to make sure people know where AEDs are and how to use them. For entities other than grocery stores and restaurants, the AED Coordinator must complete EMS Board training and refreshers. Registered entities must report every AED use to the Institute using its form.

AEDs required in stores and restaurants

Beginning October 1, 2026, grocery stores and restaurants must place an AED in a prominent area for employees and customers. They must register their name with the state program and keep each AED and its supplies maintained per the manufacturer and the FDA. These steps are required to get and keep the program certificate.

Naloxone with AEDs in public buildings

Beginning October 1, 2026, public buildings that have AEDs must also follow state rules to place naloxone with each AED. Meeting this naloxone rule is required to get and keep the EMS Board certificate.

Statewide AED program and certification

Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland runs a statewide Public Access AED Program under the EMS Board. Any entity that makes an AED available must hold a Board certificate, with exemptions for EMS programs, licensed ambulance services, certain healthcare facilities, and authorized dentist or physician offices. Law enforcement does not need a certificate for AEDs in patrol vehicles. Certificates list the entity and last three years. The Board can issue, deny, suspend, or revoke certificates, and can order a stop or seek a court order for violations. Registered entities can get hearings to challenge decisions.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 164 • No: 11

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 41 • No: 0 • Other: 3

House vote • 2/26/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 123 • No: 11 • Other: 7

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 91

    4/14/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/9/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (41-0)

    4/9/2026Senate

  4. Motion Special Order until 4/9 (Senator Muse) Adopted

    4/8/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/3/2026Senate

  6. Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

    4/2/2026Senate

  7. Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment

    2/27/2026Senate

  8. Third Reading Passed (123-11)

    2/26/2026House

  9. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    2/24/2026House

  10. Favorable with Amendments {663526/1 Adopted

    2/24/2026House

  11. Favorable with Amendments Report by Health

    2/23/2026House

  12. Hearing 2/04 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/22/2026House

  13. First Reading Health

    1/14/2026House

  14. Pre-filed

    10/1/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/14/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    2/24/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation