Prior to the kickoff of Saturday’s “Black & Blue Bowl” youth football game between Hughson and Waterford youth football programs, U.S. Rep. Juan Alaniz (R-Modesto) presented a framed copy of Assembly Bill 1467 to Neveah Johnson. He plans to gift it to his family. .
AB 1467, known as the Nevaeh Youth Sports Safety Act, requires youth sports organizations in the state to provide access to automated external defibrillators to athletes during official practices and games. The bill passed unanimously in both chambers of the state Legislature and was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on June 29.
“Following the tragedy that occurred on this very campus one year ago, this is a solemn moment to honor these very special young women,” said Alanis, who is serving her first term in the House. “Neveah’s name will forever be engraved on legislation designed to ensure kids playing sports across California have life-saving tools, no matter where they play.”
Nevaeh, 10, collapsed during practice for youth track and field in Waterford on August 15, 2022. At the time, her coaches and those around her were unaware that she had suffered a brain aneurysm and that her heart had stopped. Despite her attempts to revive her with CPR, Ms. Nevaeh did not regain her consciousness and she died several days later. Her family believes she may have survived had additional life-saving tools been available, such as her functioning AED.
“When Nevaeh’s family came to my office in December and asked me to draft legislation in Nevaeh’s name, I was honored and said yes,” Alanis said. “As a father and grandfather myself, words cannot express how proud and honored I am to be able to pay Nevaeh the tribute he deserves.”
Alanis plans to present a signed copy of the Nevia Youth Sports Safety Act to Nevia’s mother, Tiana Johnson, on the Waterford High School football field before kickoff of the youth game. Waterford’s team would have been Neveah’s team this season.
Staff from Rep. Heath Flora’s (R-Ripon) office will also be part of the celebration, which is scheduled to begin at Waterford High School, 121 S. Rainway Ave., at 6 p.m.