Marcus’s Law

This bill mandates that local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving federal funds require students in grades 9 through 12 to undergo specific cardiac screenings before participating in their first athletic contest. Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, these students must receive both an electrocardiogram and an echocardiogram, which can be completed anytime from the beginning of ninth grade until the day before their first competition.

To facilitate these screenings, LEAs must establish partnerships with public or private entities to offer the tests at a maximum cost of $20 per student. If an LEA is unable to secure such a partnership despite sufficient attempts, it may receive a waiver from the Secretary for that sports season, though it must continue efforts for subsequent seasons. Additionally, the legislation provides exemptions for students whose participation conflicts with their religious tenets and practices or who provide physician documentation advising against the screening.