AED laws by state › South Carolina
AED Laws in South Carolina (2026)
Short answer: South Carolina requires AEDs in schools: smart Heart Act (Act 108 of 2026, eff. July 1, 2026): each public school must have an AED onsite; before that, high schools subject to appropriations. There is no statewide gym AED mandate. 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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South Carolina AED requirements at a glance
| Setting | Status in South Carolina | What we found | Law |
|---|---|---|---|
| K-12 schools | Required | Smart Heart Act (Act 108 of 2026, eff. July 1, 2026): each public school must have an AED onsite; before that, high schools subject to appropriations | S.C. Code 59-17-155 and 59-17-165 |
| Gyms and health clubs | No statewide mandate found | Not among the 14 states the SCA Foundation lists | 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 South Carolina schools
South Carolina requires AEDs in schools. Smart Heart Act (Act 108 of 2026, eff. July 1, 2026): each public school must have an AED onsite; before that, high schools subject to appropriations. The law is S.C. Code 59-17-155 and 59-17-165.
AEDs in South Carolina gyms and health clubs
South Carolina has no statewide AED mandate for gyms or health clubs. Many clubs still keep one because members are high-risk and insurers ask about it.
Workplaces and government buildings in South Carolina
We found no general South Carolina 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 South Carolina
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.
South Carolina AED law: questions buyers ask
Are AEDs required in South Carolina schools?
South Carolina requires AEDs in schools: smart Heart Act (Act 108 of 2026, eff.
Do gyms in South Carolina need an AED?
No. South Carolina has no statewide gym AED mandate.
Is there Good Samaritan protection for AED use in South Carolina?
Yes. South Carolina protects people who use an AED in good faith from civil liability.
Do South Carolina employers have to provide an AED?
No general South Carolina 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.