The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 194, aims to enhance cardiac screening and prevention measures for student athletes participating in high-intensity endurance or power sports. The bill introduces new definitions for "intramural or interscholastic athletics" and "high-intensity endurance or power sport," which includes activities such as football, basketball, soccer, hockey, lacrosse, and certain track events. It mandates the State Board of Education, in collaboration with various health and athletic organizations, to develop a sudden cardiac arrest awareness education program and an informed consent form for parents and guardians of student athletes. This program will outline the warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest and the risks of continuing athletic participation after exhibiting such symptoms.

Additionally, the bill requires the State Board of Education to create a sudden cardiac arrest screening form by July 1, 2027, which must be distributed to parents and guardians of students involved in high-intensity sports. Coaches will be required to provide this form and obtain signatures from parents or guardians before the students can participate. If a student reports a history of cardiac issues on the screening form, they must undergo an electrocardiogram and receive written clearance from a licensed healthcare provider before being allowed to participate in their sport. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and aims to prevent sudden cardiac arrest among student athletes through proactive screening and education.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-149f