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Bill

H 2485

An Act concerning the cardiac health of children and student athletes

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jay Livingstone

Massachusetts bill mandates cardiac health screening, AED availability, and emergency protocols for student athletes to prevent sudden cardiac death in young people.

Accompanied a study order, see H5234
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Bill Summary · H 2485

Legislative bill overview

H 2485 establishes cardiac health screening and safety protocols for children and student athletes in Massachusetts. The bill likely mandates pre-participation cardiac evaluations, automated external defibrillator (AED) access at athletic facilities, and emergency response procedures for sudden cardiac events in young people.

Why is this important

Sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes, though rare, can be fatal and sometimes preventable through early detection and rapid intervention. This legislation addresses a significant public health concern by standardizing screening practices and emergency preparedness across schools and athletic programs, potentially saving lives.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and implementation burden: Mandatory cardiac screening (including EKGs or echocardiograms) could increase expenses for schools and families, raising questions about who bears these costs
  • Screening scope and effectiveness: Debate over which screening tests are most appropriate, cost-effective, and evidence-based for different age groups and athletic levels
  • Access and equity: Risk that comprehensive screening requirements may create disparities, with well-funded districts implementing robust programs while under-resourced areas struggle
  • False positives and overdiagnosis: Concern that broad screening could identify benign cardiac variations, leading to unnecessary restrictions on athletic participation and student anxiety

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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