Governor Kathy Hochul has signed Desha’s Law, a new requirement for all public schools in New York to have a cardiac emergency response plan. The signing took place at the Buffalo Bills Training Camp and was attended by State Senator April Baskin, who sponsored the bill, along with members of Desha’s family, leaders from the NFL and Buffalo Bills, and advocates for heart health.
Desha’s Law is named after Senator Baskin’s late cousin, who died at school due to a cardiac event. The legislation mandates that every public school safety plan must include procedures and trained personnel ready to respond to sudden cardiac arrest or similar emergencies on school property or during school-sponsored events.
Governor Hochul said, “Today is an important day in New York as we take a major step to protect our kids and school communities in the moments that matter most. No family should have to experience the heartbreak of losing a child when a life could have been saved. Desha’s Law will ensure our schools are prepared to respond in an emergency, giving every student a better chance at a healthy, active life. It is also another testament to New York’s commitment to getting kids off their phones and outside to play sports, have fun with their friends and experience life to the fullest.”
Senator April N.M. Baskin stated, “With the implementation of Desha’s Law, a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP), a detailed outline on what steps to take in a cardiac emergency, will be in place at every public school across the state. Thank you again Governor Hochul for signing this vital legislation into law today. May Desha’s memory save the lives of future student athletes and continue to live in all of our hearts forever.”
Anika Florence-Hall, mother of Desha, said, “Our grief is deep, but knowing Desha inspired this legislation means so much. My family and I are grateful for the passage of this law. Desha will help so many others who I hope will never face the same kind of tragedy.”
Assemblymember Michaelle Solages commented on the importance of preparation: “Desha’s Law is a vital bill that will enable our schools to proactively plan and safeguard our student-athletes. This bill is about preparation, not panic, and about empowering health officials and athletic staff to save lives. We have seen how instances of cardiac arrest impact families from all backgrounds—whether on the national level or right here in our local school districts. I am ecstatic that we have passed this bill and appreciate the partnership of Senator April Baskin, the American Heart Association, and Governor Kathy Hochul.”
Buffalo Bills Safety Damar Hamlin added perspective from his own experience: “To know that my experience is leading to real change — not just for people I know, but for lives I may never meet — means the world to me. This is bigger than football. We’re putting the right systems in place to save lives, and that’s a legacy I’m proud to be part of.”
Kenneth Edmonds from the National Football League noted broader support: “On behalf of the National Football League and the more than 40 organizations that make up the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, I applaud Governor Hochul for signing this common-sense, life-saving measure. With this bill crossing the goal line and into law, New York’s school communities and scholastic athletic venues will be better prepared with a plan and the practice to swing into action and respond effectively to a cardiac emergency if it occurs. This is a victory for student safety.”
Jack McMaster from American Red Cross Training Services said: “This bill is a step towards making schools and communities across the country safer by ensuring access to AEDs, providing CPR training and creating emergency response plans; we are excited to be part of the NFL Smart Heart Sports Coalition which has advocated for this lifesaving legislation. We look forward to working with schools nationwide as they train for moments that matter.”
Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden from New York State Office of Children & Family Services highlighted youth wellness efforts: “I applaud Governor Hochul for signing this critical legislation that will help ensure health and safety… The Governor’s Unplug and Play initiative focuses on exactly that – getting offline… Those efforts also include historic investments… such as $15 million increase…to support youth sports statewide.”
Nancy Brown from American Heart Association emphasized preparedness: “As our Nation of Lifesavers Ambassador Damar Hamlin…knows saving lives from sudden cardiac arrest depends on having strong chain of survival across emergency response system…Thank you …for implementing evidence-based policies…We are proud …to help bystanders become lifesavers.”
The governor has made other investments aimed at supporting youth physical activity through her “Unplug and Play” initiative which included an additional $15 million in funding via FY26 budget for youth sports programs administered by NYS Office for Children & Families.
The enacted FY26 budget also expanded Youth Mental Health First Aid programs intended both for students themselves as well as adults working with teens so they can recognize signs related mental health challenges including bullying or violence.
Nearly 1,200 School-Based Mental Health Clinics now operate throughout New York public schools following these investments.
Further measures include funding new Youth Safe Spaces where young people can access emotional support resources.
Hochul has also led initiatives like “Get Offline Get Outside,” encouraging children statewide toward outdoor activities rather than screen time—a campaign supported by recent first-in-the-nation laws targeting online safety risks faced by minors.
