To direct local educational agencies that receive certain Federal funds to require students in grades 9 through 12 to receive an electrocardiogram and an echocardiogram prior to participating in an athletic contest for the first time, and for other purposes.

119th Congress Introduced by Don Bacon and 1 co-sponsor

The bill would require high school students in grades 9–12 to obtain an ECG and an echocardiogram before first-time participation in sports, as a condition for athletic eligibility

Introduced in House

Summary of HR 9218 (119th Congress)

Purpose and intent

HR 9218 seeks to direct local educational agencies (LEAs) that receive certain federal funds to require students in grades 9 through 12 to obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG) and an echocardiogram (echo) prior to participating in an athletic contest for the first time.

The bill appears aimed at identifying underlying heart conditions in high school athletes before competition, with the goal of improving student safety and preventing sudden cardiac events during sports.

Key provisions and changes

Target audience: LEAs that receive specified federal funds.

Medical testing requirements: Before a student in grades 9–12 participates in an athletic contest for the first time, the LEA must ensure the student receives:

An electrocardiogram (ECG).
An echocardiogram (echo).

Condition of participation: The required ECG and echo must be completed prior to the student’s first participation in athletics for the school year or for their first time in interscholastic athletics, as determined by the bill’s text.

Funding and administration: The bill directs LEAs and relevant local authorities to implement these testing requirements, presumably with federal funds or oversight unless otherwise specified (exact funding mechanisms would be detailed in the bill’s language).

Compliance timeline: The bill would specify effective dates or timelines for LEAs to adopt the testing requirements, including any grace periods for existing athletic programs.

Who would be affected

Primary beneficiaries: High school students in grades 9–12 who participate in athletic contests.

Educational agencies: Local educational agencies that receive certain federal funds would be obligated to enforce the ECG and echo requirement as a condition for athletic participation.

Healthcare providers: Medical professionals conducting ECGs and echocardiograms under this mandate; potential coordination with school athletic programs and school nurses or designated medical staff.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and referral: Introduced in the House and referred on June 9, 2026 to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Sponsors: Co-sponsors include Josh Gottheimer and Don Bacon.

Next steps: The committee would review, possibly amend, and vote on favorability before the bill proceeds to broader floor consideration. If enacted, it would become a federal mandate affecting LEAs nationwide, subject to any legislative changes or court challenges.

Potential implications and considerations

Safety benefits: Could enhance early detection of cardiac conditions that may put student athletes at risk during competition.

Cost and logistics: ECGs and echocardiograms entail costs, equipment availability, and potential wait times; LEAs would need budgeting, scheduling, and medical credentialing to implement the requirements.

Equity and access: Ensuring all eligible students, including those in under-resourced districts, can obtain the tests without delays.

Medical guidance: The bill’s requirements may interact with recommendations from pediatric cardiology and sports medicine associations; implementation would need to align with current medical standards and privacy considerations for student health data.

Note: The summary reflects the bill’s stated purpose and provisions as described in its introductory action history. The full text would provide precise definitions, exemptions, funding language, and regulatory details.