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5/13/2025
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Senate approves Dimitri bill to require automatic external defibrillators on golf courses
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 STATE HOUSE — The Senate today voted to approve legislation introduced by Sen. Andrew R. Dimitri that would mandate automatic external defibrillators on golf courses.
The David Casey Act (2025-S 0475A), named for a Johnston golfer who suffered a fatal heart attack on the 18th 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.
“This bill is passing because of the advocacy of David’s widow, Betsy, who has worked tirelessly to make sure that his tragic death spurs use to make our public spaces safer and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future,” said Senator Dimitri (D-Dist. 25, Johnston). “Many people who suffer sudden cardiac arrest have no history of heart disease, and since for every minute delay before an AED or CPR is used on a victim of cardiac arrest their chance of resuscitation decreases by 10 percent, it is essential that AEDs are available in public places where athletic activity is happening.”
The legislation is supported by the Rhode Island Department of Health and the Rhode Island Golf Association, which both provided testimony in support of its passage.
The bill now move to the House, which has already passed companion legislation (2025-H 5083A) from Rep. Deborah A. Fellela (D-Dist. 43, Johnston).
For more information, contact:
Tristan Grau, Publicist
State House Room B20
Providence, RI 02903
401.222.4935
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