Committee releases bill to require portable anti‑choking devices in New Jersey schools after family testimony and vendor demonstrations

Senate Bill 908, proposing that New Jersey schools keep portable anti‑choking (airway‑clearance) devices on site, was released by the Senate Committee on Education after passionate testimony from families, advocates and device manufacturers and a period of questioning from senators.

The hearing featured multiple first‑hand accounts. Kim Chambers and Darren Chambers, founders of Maverick’s Legacy and parents who lost their infant son to a choking emergency, urged lawmakers to require airway‑clearance devices in schools, saying the devices are a lifesaving backup when basic first‑aid protocols fail. Kim Chambers described her son’s accident and told the committee that “if we or any of the first responders had a portable anti‑choking device … I firmly believe that Maverick's choking accident would have had a different ending.” Darren Chambers added that donated devices had already helped save lives in other settings and urged the state to place devices where children eat and in nurse’s offices.

Heidi Felix, vice president of sales for LifeVac (a U.S.‑based manufacturer), described the device, training requirements and the company’s replacement policy: she said LifeVac has recorded more than 3,710 reported lives saved and that the company provides replacement devices after a verified use. She testified that a unit retails for about $70 and that replacement face masks carry a 2–3 year expiration date. Several witnesses said training is brief and online modules exist; others noted some first‑responder organizations have not taken a formal endorsement position and urged clear procurement guidance to avoid counterfeit or non‑FDA‑registered products.

Witnesses pointed to the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council’s 2023 guidance recognizing airway‑clearance devices as an option when standard protocols are not feasible. Opponents were not prominent at the hearing; committee members asked detailed questions about vendor verification, product standards and the role of state agencies in certifying devices for school use.

Committee members expressed support for the bill’s life‑saving intent but raised technical questions about procurement and vendor verification. Senator Turner asked whether devices were present in New Jersey schools and about unit cost and maintenance; witnesses said LifeVac had donated more than 1,200 units in New Jersey and reported multiple reported saves in schools and police departments. Committee members suggested adding language requiring use of FDA‑registered devices or another vetting step so small districts would not inadvertently purchase unverified products.

The committee voted to release S908. The motion was made by Senator Corrado and seconded by Senator Henry; roll call recorded yes votes from Senators Henry, Corrado, McKean, Turner and Gopal. The bill was released to the budget committee for further consideration, including possible procurement or vendor‑verification language and budget or donation provisions.

Next steps identified by senators and witnesses include specifying any required device standards (for example, FDA registration), adding indemnity or limited‑liability language for good‑faith use, clarifying whether devices should be placed on school buses in addition to school sites, and ensuring an appropriation or donation plan for districts with limited budgets. Witnesses and advocates said they will continue to work with sponsors to refine those implementation details before the bill advances further.