Marcus’s Law
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9218
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-09: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-22T22:53:04Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation, titled "Marcus's Law," directs local educational agencies (LEAs) that receive certain federal education funds to require students in grades 9 through 12 to undergo an electrocardiogram and echocardiogram before participating in their first athletic contest. The goal is to implement mandatory medical screening for high school athletes at a capped cost.
Key Provisions
- Mandatory Screening Requirement: Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, LEAs receiving funds under applicable federal programs must ensure students receive an electrocardiogram and echocardiogram prior to their first athletic contest in grades 9–12.
- Timing Window: Screening may occur anytime from the first day of 9th grade through the day before the student's initial participation in an athletic contest.
- Partnership and Cost Limit: LEAs must form partnerships with public or private entities to provide screenings at no more than $20 per student. If a partnership cannot be established, the LEA may request a waiver from the Secretary of Education by demonstrating good-faith efforts.
- Exemptions: Students are exempt if the screening conflicts with their or their parent's religious beliefs, or if a physician provides documentation stating the student should not undergo the screening.
- Definitions: Clarifies terms such as "athletic contest" (competitive events on behalf of a secondary school), "medical screening" (electrocardiogram and echocardiogram), and references existing definitions from the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and General Education Provisions Act.
Significant Changes to Existing Law This bill introduces new conditions on the receipt of federal education funds by LEAs, requiring compliance with medical screening mandates for student athletes. It does not amend specific statutes but ties funding eligibility to these new requirements, effective for the 2026-2027 school year onward.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: LEAs must establish partnerships or seek waivers, increasing administrative responsibilities; the Department of Education handles waiver reviews.
- On Citizens: High school students in grades 9–12 and their parents face new pre-participation medical requirements, with cost protections but potential barriers for those seeking exemptions.
- On International Relations: No direct effects identified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Local educational agencies and secondary schools.
- Students in grades 9–12 and their parents.
- Public and private entities providing medical screenings.
- The Secretary of Education (for waiver determinations).
- Athletic programs and participants.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The legislation conditions federal funding on compliance, which may raise questions about the scope of federal authority in education matters. Religious exemptions address potential First Amendment concerns, while medical exemptions provide flexibility. No explicit constitutional challenges or political provisions are outlined in the text.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-09: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2026-06-09: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-09: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Marcus’s Law — issued 2026-06-09 — PDF (5 pages)