Senate Bill 299/House Bill 288 (both passed) require each owner and operator of a grocery store or restaurant, beginning January 1, 2025, to place an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a prominent area (accessible to both employees and customers) and maintain its functionality. The bills’ requirements do not apply to a restaurant with an annual gross income of $1 million or less (exclusive of sales for off-premises consumption), or a seating capacity of less than 100 individuals. A grocery store with an annual gross income of $10 million or less is also exempt. The bills provide certain civil immunities to grocery stores, restaurants, and individuals. MDH and the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) must jointly adopt regulations that establish guidelines for periodic inspections and annual maintenance of the AEDs, assist owners and operators of a grocery store or restaurant in carrying out the requirements, and require each grocery store and restaurant to register with the MIEMSS.