House Bill 1113 aims to enhance safety standards for youth athletic activities in Tennessee by amending existing laws related to preparticipation medical evaluations and the establishment of a safe stars advisory committee. The bill requires that prior to participating in school athletic activities, students must submit a medical evaluation form signed by a qualified medical professional or a written statement from a parent or guardian declining the evaluation based on sincerely held beliefs. Additionally, the bill updates the responsibilities of the safe stars advisory committee to include developing guidelines on sudden cardiac arrest symptoms, EKG testing, and ensuring that safety measures are current for local education agencies (LEAs) and public charter schools.
The bill also restructures the safe stars advisory committee, specifying its composition and duties, which include creating educational materials about sudden cardiac arrest and EKG testing, publishing these materials on relevant state websites, and meeting annually to review and update guidelines. The changes aim to better inform students, parents, and coaches about the risks associated with youth sports and to promote safer participation in athletic activities. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.
Statutes affected: Introduced: 49-6-3601(c), 49-6-3601, 49-6-3601(b), 49-6-3602