House passes companion to Matzie bill that would require automated external defibrillators at utility and electrical linework job sites
Would dramatically reduce fatalities
Rep. Robert F. Matzie October 21, 2026 | 4:25 PM
HARRISBURG, Oct. 21 – The Pennsylvania House today passed S.B. 1328 – companion legislation to state Rep. Rob Matzie’s bill that would mandate the availability of automated external defibrillators at utility and electrical linework job sites in Pennsylvania.
Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said he introduced his companion bill with state Rep. Jason Ortitay to address a major gap in the law and ensure that workers on some of the highest-risk job sites have access to lifesaving medical equipment.
“When seconds count, AEDs save lives,” Matzie said. “Using them immediately on site after cardiac arrest dramatically increases survival compared to situations that rely on EMS arrival alone. It’s why we mandate these devices in schools, hotels, health clubs and coal mines.
“But there is a critical gap in the law – there’s no similar requirement for AEDs to be available at utility and linework job sites, even though these are some of the most dangerous jobs around. We introduced this legislation in conjunction with the Senate bill passed today to address that gap and ensure that our workers have the protections they need when doing the essential work that keeps our lights on. I was glad to see the bill move forward and will push to ensure it gets to the governor’s desk.”
“Line workers routinely work on energized electrical systems, at significant heights, in confined spaces and in all weather conditions, often during storms and disasters,” Ortitay said. “Sudden cardiac arrest is a constant risk due to electrical shock, extreme exertion or trauma. Pennsylvania law already requires AEDs in schools, hotels, health clubs and coal mines. It only makes sense to add them at utility worksites.”
Senate Bill 1328 would require all utility and electrical worksites – and their contractors or subcontractors – have at least one automated external defibrillator and at least two employees trained in CPR and AED use present at each worksite.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, survival from sudden cardiac arrest with EMS arrival alone is only about 5% to 7%, but using an AED immediately can raise survival rates up to 60% or higher.