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Panel sends cardiac‑screening bill for student athletes to the floor after brief discussion
Summary
The committee voted to JFS (JFS to the floor) on Senate Bill 194, which would require annual athletics health assessments for high‑school athletes with screening questions on family history of sudden cardiac death and an indication of whether an EKG was performed; sponsors said language remains a work in progress and votes will be held open until 4:30 p.m.
A legislative committee on public health voted to send Senate Bill 194 to the floor, advancing a proposal that would require high‑school students who participate in school sports to receive annual athletics health assessments that include screening for serious cardiac conditions.
Chair (unnamed in the transcript) said the bill’s form would include a checkbox for family history of sudden cardiac death, screening questions for family members and a box to indicate whether the health care provider conducted an electrocardiogram (EKG). The current draft extends such health assessments to all student athletes and requires medical clearance and an EKG when certain cardiac symptoms are reported.
Representative Claritus Di Stitria, a sponsor and the bill’s mover, told the committee the measure "still needs some work" to clarify timing and to ensure the health care provider, student athlete and parent or guardian have appropriate conversations about cardiac health. She said if those parties determine further screening is needed, it should occur.
The chair thanked the bill’s proponents and recognized their outreach to groups such as the Heart Association and athletic organizations. The committee moved the bill by motion and completed a roll‑call vote on the measure; the chair said votes will be held open until 4:30 p.m. and may be cast either on Zoom or in the public health area.
The committee record notes the bill remains under active discussion and sponsors anticipate additional amendments to refine the screening language and exceptions before final floor consideration.
