Assemblymember Juan Alanis presented a framed copy of AB 1467 to the family of Nevaeh Johnson in a touching tribute before the kickoff of the “Black & Blue Bowl” youth football game between her hometown of Waterford and their next town over rival Hughson on Saturday.

“This is a solemn moment to honor an extraordinary young woman after a tragedy took place on this very campus a year ago,” said Assemblyman Alanis. “Nevaeh’s name will live on forever enshrined in a law that will ensure kids playing sports all over California will have lifesaving tools regardless of where they are playing.” 

Nevaeh’s mother, Tiana Lamunyon, received the framed copy of the bill in her daughter’s name. 

“I know that Nevaeh Grace is smiling down on us today,” said Nevaeh’s mother, Tiana. “I am incredibly honored and grateful that this bill passed, but I still feel the huge sorrow and loss that brought us here. I hope this bill will help save someone else’s child and prevent other parents from feeling the pain of losing a child. I know my daughter would have fought for change, so that is exactly why we pushed this law in her place. Thank you to Juan Alanis and his team for fighting for this and those who have supported this bill.” 

AB 1467 requires youth sports organizations across the state to provide their athletes with accessibility to an automated external defibrillator (AED) during official practices or matches. Nevaeh, who was 10 years old, collapsed during a sports practice in Waterford in August 2022. Coaches were unaware she was suffering a brain aneurysm, and her heart had stopped. She tragically passed away a few days later, and her family believes that if an AED was accessible at the time, she would still be here today.