The House of Representatives recently gave its approval to legislation introduced by Rep. Deborah A. Fellela (D-Dist. 43, Johnston) that would mandate automatic external defibrillators on golf courses.

The David Casey Act (2025-H 5083A), named for a Johnston golfer who suffered a fatal heart attack on the 18^th hole of the Cranston Country Club in 2023, would add 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. “She wants to make sure that David’s death makes a difference, and if we save even one life, we reach that goal.”

Dr. Jerome Larkin, director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, testified in favor of the legislation, telling the House Committee on Health and Human Services that “using AEDs and cardiopulmonary resuscitation within minutes of cardiac arrest can dramatically improve survival rates.”

The measure now moves to the Senate, where similar legislation (2025-S 0475) has been introduced by Sen. Andrew R. Dimitri (D-Dist. 25, Johnston). That legislation has been referred to Senate Health and Human Services.