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Committee reviews AED bill that removes registration red tape but retains maintenance and 911‑notification duties
Summary
Senate Bill 86 would update Montana’s AED rules by removing outdated regulatory burdens while keeping requirements that owners maintain devices to manufacturer specifications and notify local 911 of AED locations; supporters said reducing paperwork will encourage installations while the department retains enforcement authority.
Senator Greg Hertz introduced Senate Bill 86 at the request of the Department of Public Health and Human Services and described it as an update to outdated code governing automatic external defibrillators (AEDs). He told the committee AED technology has improved since the 1990s and said modern units often provide voice prompts and may call 911 when activated.
Terry Mullins, section supervisor for EMS and the state Trauma System at DPHHS, supported the bill, saying AEDs are now largely automated and that continuing to require heavy registration and training approvals is no longer necessary. Mullins said the bill maintains key safety measures: owners must keep AEDs in good operating condition, notify local 911 dispatch of the device’s location, and call 911 if the AED is used.
Carter Marsh, speaking for Montana Professional Firefighters and as a practicing paramedic, told the committee that reducing regulatory barriers could incentivize wider AED availability. "Two things are gonna save lives when it comes to a cardiac arrest," Marsh said: "high‑quality chest compressions and early defibrillation." He urged a yes vote.
Members asked technical questions. Representative Kelly asked whether the bill covers individual (home) owners; Mullins said the current drafting requires anyone who purchases and wishes to use an AED to submit information and to meet maintenance and notification rules. Representative Rivas asked whether the bill would remove the department's rulemaking authority and whether the department could ensure AEDs are kept operational; Mullins responded that the department retains the ability to enforce maintenance and testing to manufacturer specifications and said he would provide follow‑up documentation to the committee clarifying regulatory authority.
The committee expressed interest in additional information, and the members opted to hold SB 86 in executive action while staff follows up on technical questions before final disposition.
