House · HR 9218 · 119th Congress
Marcus’s Law
Summary
This bill requires high school students in grades 9 through 12 to get two heart tests before joining any school sport for the first time. Schools that get federal education money must follow this rule starting in 2026. Students can skip the tests for religious or medical reasons.
In Favor
Sudden cardiac arrest kills dozens of young athletes every year, often with no warning signs. These two heart tests can catch hidden problems before they become deadly. Requiring them before a student's first game gives families a chance to protect their child early.
Against
Schools must find partners to offer both tests for $20 or less, which may be hard to arrange in many areas. If no partner is found, schools must go through a waiver process that adds paperwork and delays. Students in rural or low-income areas may face the biggest barriers to getting screened.
Additional Considerations
Purpose & Problem
Is the problem real and worth federal action?
The bill requires high school students in grades 9 through 12 to receive a heart screening test before competing in school sports for the first time. It targets the risk of undetected heart problems in student athletes.
Scope & Related Provisions
Does it stay focused, or carry unrelated add-ons?
The bill's provisions stay on topic. All sections address the screening requirement, partnership rules, cost limits, exemptions, and waiver procedures for schools that cannot find a partner.
Who Is Affected
Who benefits, and who bears the cost?
High school students who play school sports and their families must arrange screenings before competition. Local school districts that receive federal education funds must set up screening partnerships and follow new reporting duties.
Cost & Funding
Is it affordable and responsibly funded?
The bill requires schools to arrange screening partnerships capped at $20 per student. It does not appropriate federal funds or state a total program cost. Schools and their partners bear the cost of providing screenings within that price limit.
Risks & Implementation
What could go wrong in practice?
Schools must secure a qualifying partner before the first sports season begins, which may be difficult in some areas. If a partner cannot be found on time, the school must document its attempts and apply for a waiver each season.
For the actual bill text, see congress.gov.
AI-generated · Published 7/23/2026