This legislation would
encourage businesses to purchase automated external defibrillators by
increasing the tax credit for the purchase of such a unit.
Automated external defibrillators greatly increase a heart attack
victim's chance of survival. The American Heart Association estimates
that as many as 100,000 deaths could be prevented each year through the
widespread deployment of defibrillators. Seconds are critical when an
individual suffers a heart attack. It is essential that the State
encourage businesses to invest in life saving equipment. Increasing the
tax credit would motivate businesses to purchase automated external
defibrillators. In recent years the Legislature has enacted laws to
expand the availability of automated external defibrillators.
Specifically, in 1999, the Legislature approved a $500 tax credit
against the tax imposed for the purchase of an automated external
defibrillator. This legislation would increase that tax credit to $1,500
in order to encourage more businesses to purchase a life saving
defibrillator.
