2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26102121D

SENATE BILL NO. 87

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled December 30, 2025

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 15.2-1808.1, relating to local government sporting events and sporting facilities; automated external defibrillators.

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Patron—Stanley

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Referred to Committee on Local Government

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 15.2-1808.1 as follows:

§ 15.2-1808.1. Automated external defibrillators required at local government sporting events and sporting facilities.

A. For the purposes of this section:

"Automated external defibrillator" or "AED" means the same as that term is defined in § 32.1-111.1.

"Local government sporting event" means any athletic or sporting event organized or sponsored  by a locality.

"Local government sporting facility" means any outdoor or indoor facility owned or operated by a locality that is used for organized athletic or sporting activities.

B. Each locality shall ensure that operational automated external defibrillators are readily available at (i) every local government sporting facility during hours of operation and (ii) every local government sporting event, whether held at a local government sporting facility or elsewhere.

C. Indoor local government sporting facilities shall be required to have a minimum number of operational AEDs as follows:

1. Facilities under 10,000 square feet: one AED.

2. Facilities 10,000 to 30,000 square feet: two AEDs.

3. Facilities over 30,000 square feet: two AEDs, plus one additional AED for every 20,000 square feet.

The maximum distance between any point in the indoor local government sporting facility and an AED shall not exceed 200 feet.

D. Outdoor local government sporting facilities shall be required to have a minimum number of operational AEDs as follows:

1. Facilities under five acres: one AED.

2. Facilities five to 15 acres: two AEDs.

3. Facilities over 15 acres: two AEDs, plus one additional AED for every 10 acres.

The maximum distance between any active sporting area in an outdoor local government sporting facility and an AED shall not exceed one-quarter mile.

E. For local government sporting events held at locations other than local government sporting facilities, a minimum number of operational AEDs shall be required as follows:

1. Events with under 500 attendees: one AED.

2. Events with 500 to 2,000 attendees: two AEDs.

3. Events with over 2,000 attendees: two AEDs, plus one additional AED for every 1,000 attendees.

F. Each AED shall be (i) located in a clearly marked and publicly accessible location, (ii) properly maintained and tested according to manufacturer's specifications, (iii) registered with the local emergency medical services agency, and (iv) accompanied by appropriate signage indicating its location.

2. That the provisions of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2028.