The bill amends Florida Statutes to enhance the safety of student athletes by requiring electrocardiograms (ECGs) as part of the medical evaluation process for participation in interscholastic athletics. Specifically, it mandates that students in grades 9 through 12 must complete at least one ECG screening starting in the 2028-2029 school year, unless exempted due to religious objections or if the school district cannot secure a partnership to provide ECGs at a low cost. The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) is tasked with adopting bylaws that prohibit students with abnormal ECG results from participating in athletics until they obtain written medical clearance from a qualified healthcare practitioner.

Additionally, the bill requires school districts to actively seek public and private partnerships to offer low-cost ECGs to students. It provides immunity from liability for schools relying on ECG results and medical clearances, protecting them from claims related to injuries or deaths that may arise from undisclosed medical conditions. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to ensure that student athletes are medically evaluated to reduce the risk of cardiac events during athletic activities.

Statutes affected:
H 1135 Filed: 1002.20
H 1135 c1: 1002.20
H 1135 c2: 1002.20