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CS/CS/CS/SB 1070 — Electrocardiograms for Student Athletes
by Fiscal Policy Committee; Health Policy Committee; Education Pre-K – 12 Committee; and Senators Simon, Avila, and Arrington
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Education Pre-K - 12 Committee (ED)
The bill cites the act as the “Second Chance Act” and requires that, beginning in the 2026?2027 school year, prior to participating or seeking to participate in interscholastic athletic competition for the first time a student must pass an electrocardiogram (EKG) screening. The EKG screening must be based on standards established by the Florida High School Athletic Association’s (FHSAA) Sports Medicine Advisory Committee. The bill allows a student who has received an EKG in the two-years prior to the 2026?2027 school year to use that EKG to meet the requirement.
The bill requires the FHSAA to adopt bylaws to prohibit participation based on the results of an abnormal EKG until the student submits written medical clearance from a specified health professional.
The bill includes a provision that requires each school district to pursue public and private partnerships to provide low-cost EKGs for students and exempt a student who resides in a county where the district is unable to provide EKGs for less than $50 per student.
The bill allows for exceptions to the required EKG for the following reasons:
- Parental objection based on religious reasons, which must be in writing.
- The parent has secured a medical exemption from the EKG by a physician.
- The school district where the student resides is unable to secure low-cost EKGs.
The bill also allows a practitioner in good standing with equivalent licensure issued by another state to provide the EKG.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions take effect July 1, 2025.
Vote: Senate 37-0; House 111-0