What This Bill Does
This bill would require local educational agencies that receive certain federal funds to make students in grades 9 through 12 get both an electrocardiogram (EKG) and an echocardiogram before they can participate in an athletic contest for the first time. The requirement would apply to high school students entering school sports, creating a new medical screening step before initial competition. It is aimed at identifying hidden heart conditions that could put young athletes at risk during strenuous activity. The measure would affect public school systems and students in federally supported schools that sponsor athletics.
- Applies to students in grades 9 through 12.
- Requires both an electrocardiogram and an echocardiogram.
- Condition applies before a student’s first athletic contest.
- Covers local educational agencies that receive certain federal funds.
- Creates a new medical clearance step for school sports participation.
Who This Bill Affects
If you are a student in grades 9 through 12 who wants to play a school sport for the first time, this bill would require you to get an EKG and an echocardiogram before you can compete. That means an extra medical appointment, possible out-of-pocket costs depending on insurance, and a new clearance step before joining an athletic contest. For families and schools, it could also mean more paperwork and follow-up if a screening shows a possible heart issue.
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- Parents of student athletes They may see the screenings as a way to catch hidden heart problems before a child is exposed to intense competition. The requirement could provide reassurance and potentially prevent a life-threatening emergency.
- School health and safety advocates They are likely to argue that a uniform screening standard reduces the chance that a serious cardiac condition goes unnoticed. A mandatory process can also make responsibility clearer for schools and athletic programs.
- Cardiology professionals focused on prevention They may support broader use of cardiac imaging and testing for young athletes because some dangerous conditions are not detected by a routine physical alone. Earlier detection can lead to treatment, restrictions, or monitoring that lowers risk.
- School administrators They may object to the added compliance burden, especially if schools must coordinate testing for large numbers of students. New screening requirements can complicate athletic registration and delay participation.
- Families concerned about cost and access They may worry that EKGs and echocardiograms will create extra expenses or require travel to specialized providers. Students in rural or underserved areas could face longer waits or fewer local testing options.
- Athletic program coordinators They may argue that mandatory testing could slow down preseason sign-ups and create eligibility bottlenecks. If follow-up testing is needed, some students could be sidelined while results are reviewed.
Key Implications
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““require students in grades 9 through 12 to receive an electrocardiogram and an echocardiogram””
This would make two cardiac tests a condition of first-time participation in school athletics for high school students. In real terms, it adds a medical screening gate before a student can compete.
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““prior to participating in an athletic contest for the first time””
The requirement is tied to initial competition, not just team tryouts or practice. Students would need clearance before their first official contest.
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““local educational agencies that receive certain Federal funds””
The rule would attach to school districts and similar agencies that take the covered federal money. That creates a federal funding hook for a school-level health mandate.
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““and for other purposes””
This language signals that the bill may also include related implementation or administrative provisions. In practice, that could affect how schools document compliance and handle exceptions.
Latest Status
June 9, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
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Ask AI about this billData sourced from api.congress.gov.