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Bill

ACR 125

Relative to Chiari Malformation Awareness Month.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Juan Alanis

Urges local hospitals and providers to partner with high schools to offer free ECG and echocardiogram heart screenings for young athletes to prevent sudden cardiac arrest.

From committee: Be adopted. To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 8. Noes 0.) (June 22).
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Bill Summary · ACR 125

Overview

  • Bill: ACR 125 (California Assembly Concurrent Resolution)
  • Session/Jurisdiction: California, 2025-2026
  • Status: As introduced in 2010 and later amended; current action history shows committee passage and consent calendar in 2026, indicating reintroduction or continued interest. Note: ACRs are ceremonial/advocacy resolutions rather than statutes.
  • Topic: Awareness and promotion of heart screenings for youth athletes to prevent sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)

Purpose and Intent

  • ACR 125 encourages local hospitals, health facilities, and health care providers with the capacity to perform electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) and echocardiogram screenings to partner with nearby high schools to offer free cardiac screenings for young athletes.
  • The resolution honors Michael Halpin, a Los Gatos High School football player who collapsed and died due to an undetected heart defect, and aims to prevent future tragedies by increasing early detection of heart conditions.

Key Provisions

  • Encouragement to Partners: Calls on local hospitals, health facilities, and health care providers capable of performing ECGs and echocardiograms to collaborate with high schools in their geographic area.
  • Provision of Free Screenings: The goal is to provide free cardiac screenings for young athletes who may be at risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
  • Public Awareness: Acts as a tribute to Michael Halpin and other young athletes who have suffered SCA, promoting awareness and preventive action.
  • Dissemination: Directs the Chief Clerk of the Assembly to transmit copies of the resolution to the author for distribution.

Who Is Affected

  • Primary Beneficiaries: High school student-athletes who could receive free ECG and echocardiogram screenings.
  • Implementers: Local hospitals, health facilities, and health care providers with the capacity to perform heart screenings.
  • Communities: School districts and local health systems within California, particularly areas with high school athletic programs.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Legislative History: The bill text shows origin in 2010 (introduced February 16, 2010; adopted by Assembly May 10, 2010; adopted by Senate August 23, 2010; Chaptered as of September 7, 2010).
  • Current Status (as of the provided history): In 2026, action includes committee passage and placement on the Consent Calendar, with previous referrals in January 2026. This indicates renewed consideration or reintroduction in the 2025-2026 session.
  • No New Substantive Mandates: As a concurrent resolution, it does not create new statutory requirements or funding obligations; it expresses the Legislature’s position and encourages participation.

Potential Impact

  • Public Health Awareness: Elevates focus on SCA risk among youth athletes and the importance of screening.
  • Access to Screening: Could increase the availability of free screenings through partnerships, reducing financial barriers for families.
  • Policy Precedent: Sets a statewide expectation for collaboration between schools and medical providers to address heart health in athletes.
  • Funding and Coverage: The resolution itself does not allocate funds or mandate coverage; implementation would depend on participating hospitals and providers and any future accompanying legislation or programs.

Summary

ACR 125 is a California Assembly Concurrent Resolution that urges local hospitals and health care providers capable of ECG and echocardiogram screenings to partner with high schools to offer free heart screenings for young athletes. It honors Michael Halpin and other youths affected by sudden cardiac arrest and aims to prevent future tragedies through increased early detection. The bill emphasizes collaboration and awareness rather than creating new legal obligations or funding, and it reflects renewed attention in the 2025-2026 session with recent committee action and consent-calendar advancement.

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

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