H1135 requires Florida public high school student athletes to undergo annual medical evaluations and, beginning with the 2028-2029 school year, to complete at least one electrocardiogram (EKG) screening before first participating in interscholastic athletics in grades 9-12. The bill directs the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) to adopt bylaws and policies governing the medical evaluation process, including use of licensed practitioners, standardized forms, cardiovascular screening recommendations, and procedures for students who receive abnormal EKG results.
The bill also requires schools to withhold participation until medical results are received and approved, and it creates a process for written medical clearance after an abnormal EKG before a student may return to tryouts, practice, or competition. It authorizes out-of-state licensed practitioners in good standing to perform the evaluations and EKGs, and it provides liability protections for schools and other entities relying on the evaluation or clearance. Separately, school districts must seek public and private partnerships to provide low-cost EKGs, and students are exempt from the EKG requirement if their district cannot secure an EKG at less than $20 per student.
Impact
The bill amends sections 1002.20, 1006.20, and 1006.165, Florida Statutes, to add a statewide EKG screening requirement for certain student athletes and to expand the regulatory role of the FHSAA over preparticipation medical clearance. It changes school eligibility rules by making receipt and approval of medical evaluation results, and in some cases EKG results, a condition of participation in athletics and related physical activities. It also creates a district-level obligation to pursue partnerships for low-cost screening and establishes a statutory exemption when that cost threshold cannot be met.
Sentiment
The available voting history shows strong support and no recorded opposition in committee, with unanimous votes in the House Student Academic Success Subcommittee and the House Education & Employment Committee. No committee transcripts were provided, so there is no detailed debate record to indicate broader concerns or amendments. Overall, the bill appears to have been received favorably in committee as a student safety measure focused on cardiac screening.
Contention
The main policy tension in the bill is between improving cardiac safety for student athletes and the cost, logistics, and access issues associated with universal EKG screening. The bill addresses those concerns by delaying implementation until 2028-2029, allowing out-of-state licensed practitioners, and creating an exemption if a district cannot obtain screenings for under $20 per student. Another point of potential contention is the liability shield for schools and other entities, as well as the religious objection exemption, which preserves parental rights but also limits the reach of the screening requirement.