Ahead of Summer Sports Season, Simonsen Renews Call for "Michael Fisher's Law" to Protect Young Athletes
Legislation Would Require Lifesaving AEDs at Youth Sporting Events and Large Public Venues
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, N.J. – As thousands of New Jersey children take to baseball fields, soccer pitches, football camps, hockey rinks, and recreation programs this summer, Assemblyman Erik Simonsen is renewing his call for passage of "Michael Fisher's Law," legislation designed to ensure lifesaving automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are available when and where they are needed most.
The legislation, Assembly Bill A1451, would require AEDs to be available at youth athletic events and practices organized by recreation departments and youth sports organizations, while also expanding access to AEDs at large public venues throughout New Jersey.
For Simonsen, the issue is deeply personal to Cape May County and rooted in the memory of Dennis Township teenager Michael Fisher.
On September 24, 2010, Michael collapsed while playing hockey and died as a result of a congenital heart defect known as subaortic stenosis. He was just 15 years old.
An honor roll student in the Allied Medical Program at Cape May County Technical High School, Michael dreamed of becoming a nurse practitioner. Friends and family remember him for his kindness, compassion, and willingness to stand up for others.
"Every parent who drops their child off at a practice or game expects that reasonable safety measures are in place," Simonsen said. "Michael's story reminds us that cardiac emergencies can happen without warning, even to young athletes. We cannot prevent every tragedy, but we can ensure that coaches, volunteers, and first responders have the tools they need to save lives."
According to the American Heart Association, sudden cardiac arrest remains one of the leading causes of sudden death among young athletes. Medical research has shown that survival rates increase dramatically when defibrillation occurs within the first few minutes of collapse.
The legislation would require youth-serving organizations and recreation departments that sponsor athletic events to have an AED available on-site during games and practices. The bill would also require large venues with capacities exceeding 1,000 people to maintain accessible AEDs and establish emergency response protocols.
"We require fire extinguishers because we understand the importance of being prepared for emergencies," Simonsen said. "AEDs should be viewed the same way. They are a proven, lifesaving tool that can mean the difference between tragedy and survival when every second counts."
Simonsen credited Michael's family for transforming their loss into a mission to help others. Through the Michael Fisher Scholarship Fund and fundraising efforts benefiting Deborah Heart and Lung Center, the Fisher family has spent years raising awareness about congenital heart defects and advocating for improved cardiac emergency preparedness.
"The Fisher family has turned unimaginable grief into meaningful action," Simonsen said. "Their advocacy has educated countless families and inspired legislation that has the potential to save lives throughout New Jersey. Passing this bill would be a fitting tribute to Michael's memory and a significant step toward protecting young athletes across our state.".
Help Protect Young Athletes
Urge Assemblywoman Haider to post A1451, legislation inspired by the memory of Cape May County teenager Michael Fisher that would expand access to lifesaving AEDs at youth athletic events and large public venues.