Brown: Greg Moyer’s Law Now in Effect, Expanding AED Access and Strengthening Student Athlete Safety Across Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG - Sen. Rosemary Brown (R-40) joined the Moyer family and advocates at Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School on Friday to announce the enactment of Greg Moyer's Law, now Act 17 of 2026, requiring automated external defibrillators at all PIAA-sanctioned athletic events and practices and strengthening emergency action plans for sudden cardiac arrest.

Greg Moyer, a Notre Dame student, tragically passed away in 2000 after suffering sudden cardiac arrest during a high school basketball game. By the time emergency responders arrived with an AED nearly 40 minutes later, it was too late to save him.

"Sudden cardiac arrest remains the leading cause of death among young athletes, and in those terrifying moments, immediate access to an AED can mean the difference between life and death," Brown said. "While our community and the Moyer family will always mourn the loss of Greg, we are honoring his life by ensuring schools across Pennsylvania are better prepared to respond in an emergency and by helping save lives in his memory."

Brown worked alongside the Moyer family for more than a decade to advance the legislation through the General Assembly.

"This law honors my son Greg and ensures that his legacy will continue to save lives," Moyer said. "We are grateful to everyone who recognized the importance of protecting our children and ensuring schools are prepared to respond when every second matters. To all the families I have worked with who have lost a child to sudden cardiac arrest, or whose child was saved because an AED was available, this law is for you and for every child who deserves the chance to come home safely."

"Government has finally caught up with the incredible work the Moyer family has already been doing for decades," Brown said. "Their commitment to increasing access to AEDs has already saved lives and will continue protecting countless families across our commonwealth."

"Through this tragedy, the death of Greg Moyer, a great resurrection has come to life. However, it is because Greg's family responded to the promptings of the Holy Spirit," said Bryan Scotton, Notre Dame principal. "For decades they have fought to make the legislation we are celebrating today a reality. Today as we celebrate this momentous occasion, may we never forget the power that our God has, to turn tragedy into something that is life-giving."

"When cardiac arrest happens, every second matters," said Brad Cary, Pennsylvania government relations director for the American Heart Association. "Schools with a practiced cardiac emergency response plan can increase cardiac arrest survival rates by 50% or more by ensuring more people are confident in their ability to perform CPR and use an AED until first responders arrive."