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Bill

HB 869

Provide for the sudden cardiac arrest prevention in youth sports

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Melissa Romano

Montana law now requires youth sports programs to screen for cardiac risk, train coaches on sudden cardiac arrest response, and maintain accessible defibrillators.

Chapter Number Assigned
#appropriations #education-k-12 #recreation #safety
0
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Bill Summary · HB 869

Legislative bill overview

HB 869 establishes requirements for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) prevention and response in youth sports programs in Montana. The bill implements screening, education, and emergency response protocols to identify at-risk young athletes and ensure rapid treatment if cardiac events occur.

Why is this important

Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in young athletes, yet many cases are preventable or survivable with early intervention. This legislation creates a statewide framework to reduce mortality through pre-participation screening, coach training, and access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) during youth sports activities.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost burden on schools and organizations: Implementation requirements for screening, training, and AED equipment may strain budgets for smaller schools and youth sports programs
  • Screening scope and liability: Questions about whether cardiac screening should be mandatory versus recommended, and liability implications if screening misses at-risk athletes
  • Equity in access: Rural and less-funded districts may struggle to meet uniform requirements, potentially creating disparities in athlete protection

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

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