AED laws by state › California
AED Laws in California (2026)
Short answer: California requires AEDs in schools: only schools offering interscholastic athletics (one AED per participating school, since July 1, 2019). Gyms and health clubs must have an AED. Like every state, it gives Good Samaritan immunity to people who use an AED in good faith. Verified 1 Oct 2026 against the state code and the SCA Foundation review.
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California AED requirements at a glance
| Setting | Status in California | What we found | Law |
|---|---|---|---|
| K-12 schools | Required | Only schools offering interscholastic athletics (one AED per participating school, since July 1, 2019) | Cal. Educ. Code 35179.6 |
| Gyms and health clubs | Required | Cal. Health & Safety Code 104113 | see sources |
| Government buildings | No statewide mandate verified | No state-building mandate verified | none found |
| Private workplaces | No general mandate found | No general private workplace mandate found | none found |
| Good Samaritan immunity | Yes | Protects people who use an AED in good faith | SCA Foundation review of state laws |
AEDs in California schools
California requires AEDs in schools. Only schools offering interscholastic athletics (one AED per participating school, since July 1, 2019). The law is Cal. Educ. Code 35179.6.
AEDs in California gyms and health clubs
California requires AEDs in health clubs: Cal. Health & Safety Code 104113.
Workplaces and government buildings in California
We found no general California law that requires private employers to have an AED, and no verified mandate for state buildings. Federal OSHA does not require AEDs either, though it encourages employers to consider them. Local fire codes and building codes can add requirements, so check with your local authority.
Good Samaritan protection in California
Every state protects people who use an AED in good faith from civil liability (SCA Foundation review of state AED laws). Most of these laws expect the AED to be maintained and, in some states, registered with local EMS. A unit with expired pads or a dead battery can weaken the protection.
California AED law: questions buyers ask
Are AEDs required in California schools?
California requires AEDs in schools: only schools offering interscholastic athletics (one AED per participating school, since July 1, 2019).
Do gyms in California need an AED?
Yes, gyms and health clubs must have one.
Is there Good Samaritan protection for AED use in California?
Yes. California protects people who use an AED in good faith from civil liability.
Do California employers have to provide an AED?
No general California law requires private employers to have one. OSHA encourages AEDs but does not require them.
Sources
Last verified 1 Oct 2026. This page summarises the law for buyers and is not legal advice. Read the statute or ask counsel before you rely on it.