SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Juan Alanis (R-Modesto) announced yesterday that Assembly Bill 387 (AB 387), legislation to strengthen California’s Nevaeh Youth Sports Safety Act and improve access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) during youth sporting events, passed the Senate Health Committee.
AB 387 builds upon California’s existing youth sports safety laws by creating a collaborative framework between youth sports organizations and the public and private facilities where athletic activities take place. The bill is intended to improve access to lifesaving AEDs while recognizing the operational and financial realities faced by youth sports programs and facility operators.
“I appreciate the thoughtful consideration this bill received from the members of the Senate Health Committee, particularly Chair Weber Pierson and the committee staff, who have worked closely with our office throughout this process,” said Assemblymember Alanis. “We all share the same objective: protecting children. While there have been honest discussions about implementation and affordability, I believe those conversations have made this bill stronger and moved us closer to a practical solution.”
Over the past several months, Assemblymember Alanis and his staff have worked extensively with youth sports organizations, cities, counties, park districts, school representatives, and risk management organizations to address concerns regarding implementation, liability, and costs. Those discussions have resulted in significant amendments that emphasize collaboration, shared responsibility, and flexibility while preserving the bill’s core public safety purpose.
“Yesterday’s vote is an important step forward, but our work is not finished,” Alanis said. “I remain committed to continuing negotiations and further refining this legislation. I also expect that everyone who has come to the table, whether in support or opposition, will continue working with us in good faith toward a solution that improves safety while providing a realistic path to compliance. Protecting California’s young athletes is a shared responsibility, and I am confident we can reach a solution that reflects that shared commitment.”
AB 387 now moves to the Senate Education Committee for consideration.
Assemblymember Juan Alanis represents the 22nd Assembly District, which includes the communities of Modesto, Turlock, Ceres, Denair, Patterson, Gustine, Newman, Hilmar, Ballico, Snelling, Keyes, Grayson, Crows Landing, Diablo Grande, Stevinson, & Empire.
