Reps. Gottheimer and Bacon Introduce Marcus’s Law to Require Heart Screenings for High School Athletes
Marcus’s Law is currently in the House Committee on Education and Workforce where it has been since June 8, 2026. The bill is not moving forward because it has not received a committee vote. The committee members must decide to take action for the bill to move to the next step.
Even with support from both parties, federal mandates on local schools often struggle to pass because of concerns about costs and local control.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
Medical practices and cardiac imaging providers could see new demand as schools seek partners to provide low-cost heart screenings. The bill requires schools to enter into partnerships with public or private entities, creating potential business opportunities for cardiology clinics and mobile screening services. However, the $20 price cap limits revenue potential significantly.
“a local educational agency described in paragraph (1) shall enter into a partnership with a public or private entity to offer medical screenings required under this section at a cost of $20 or less per student.”
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer announced 'Marcus's Law' at Westwood Regional High School, calling for mandatory cardiac screenings for high school athletes before they take the field. The bill requires EKGs and echocardiograms to detect hidden heart conditions before they become deadly.
The proposal, known as 'Marcus's Law,' would mandate screenings such as EKGs and echocardiograms for student athletes before they participate in school sports. Gottheimer made the announcement alongside health professionals and families to address sudden cardiac death in young people.
New Jersey lawmakers are introducing new legislation aimed at protecting high school students from sudden cardiac arrest. The proposal, called Marcus's Law, would require all students to undergo heart testing before participating in high school sports for the first time.
No votes or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Marcus’s Law
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