(ONN) – Ahead of the new school year and football practices beginning, Ohio’s governor signed a bill that requires AEDs in every public and chartered non-public schools in Ohio.

House Bill 47 is a long time coming.

Over the years we’ve reported several stories of kids who’ve died from sudden cardiac arrest because an automated external defibrillator wasn’t available.

Yes, it was a recommendation, but now it’s state law.

AEDs are now required in every public and chartered non-public school in Ohio and all municipally owned or operated sports and recreation venues.

AEDs have a long history of saving lives during cardiac emergencies.

According to the American Heart Association, sudden cardiac arrest is the number one killer of student-athletes.