Tennessee Senate Bill SB1223

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 6, Part 36 and Title 68, Chapter 6, relative to youth athletic activities.

Summary

SB1223 revises Tennessee law governing school youth athletic activities, with a focus on preparticipation medical screening and sudden cardiac arrest awareness. Before a student may participate in a school athletic activity, the bill requires submission to the school principal of either a signed preparticipation medical evaluation from a licensed medical professional stating the student is physically fit to participate, or a signed statement from a parent, legal guardian, or adult student declining the evaluation based on sincerely held beliefs or practices. The bill also restructures and expands the Safe Stars advisory committee. The committee is tasked with developing and updating educational guidelines and materials for students, parents, and coaches on sudden cardiac arrest warning signs, EKG testing, and the option to request an EKG in addition to the initial physical exam at the family’s expense. The committee must publish these materials on the education and health department websites and review them annually. The act takes effect July 1, 2025.

Impact

The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 49, Chapter 6, Part 36, and Title 68, Chapter 6, by adding a new participation prerequisite for school youth athletic activities and by revising the duties and composition of the Safe Stars advisory committee. It affects local education agencies and public charter schools by requiring them to collect medical clearance or a written declination before student participation, and it places ongoing informational and review responsibilities on the state education and health departments.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials, the measure appears to be framed as a student safety and public health bill rather than a controversial policy change. Its emphasis on cardiac screening, education, and updated safety standards suggests generally protective intent, with no documented opposition or support statements available in the record provided.

Contention

The main potential point of contention is the balance between student safety and parental or personal autonomy. Requiring a preparticipation medical evaluation could raise concerns about access, cost, and administrative burden, while the bill’s declination option for sincerely held beliefs or practices may prompt questions about how broadly that exception applies. Another possible issue is the optional EKG recommendation: supporters may view it as an added safeguard, while critics may question its cost, necessity, or whether it could create unequal access to sports participation.