An Act to protect the lives of student athletes; Freddy’s law
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill, titled ‘Freddy’s Law,’ aims to protect the health of student athletes in Massachusetts by requiring electrocardiogram (ECG) screenings before participating in interscholastic sports, starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The bill mandates that the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) develop policies for these screenings, including protocols for abnormal results and religious exemptions. Furthermore, the legislation expands health insurance coverage within the state to include one ECG screening for eligible high school athletes.
Key provisions
- Requires high school athletes to complete at least one electrocardiogram (ECG) screening before participating in interscholastic sports.
- Directs the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) to develop policies and procedures for ECG screenings.
- Includes provisions for handling abnormal ECG results.
- Addresses religious exemptions to the screening requirement.
- Expands health insurance coverage to include one ECG screening for eligible high school athletes.
- Covers athletes through the Group Insurance Commission, state insurance policies, and private insurance policies within Massachusetts.
Who is affected
- High school student athletes in Massachusetts
- Parents of high school student athletes
- High schools in Massachusetts
- The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA)
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
11 on record
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Cosponsors
Joseph D. McKenna
Kathleen R. LaNatra
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