HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 5046

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

________________________________________

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, February 5, 2026.

 The committee on Financial Services, to whom was referred the joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4622) of Thomas P. Walsh and Sally P. Kerans for legislation to authorize electrocardiogram screenings prior to participation in interscholastic athletic competitions, reports recommending that the accompanying bill (House, No. 5046) ought to pass.

For the committee,

JAMES M. MURPHY.

        FILED ON: 1/23/2026

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 5046

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

_______________

In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)

_______________

An Act to protect the lives of student athletes; Freddy’s law.

 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

 Section 2. Chapter 111 of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding the following section:

 Section 222A

 The department shall direct and assist the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association in developing policies and procedures pertaining to requiring high school athletes to complete at least one electrocardiogram screening prior to participation in interscholastic athletic competition beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. MIAA policy shall include, but not be limited to: student athlete compliance; protocol following an abnormal electrocardiogram result; religious exemption; and transferability of results.

 SECTION 1. Chapter 32A of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after section 17Z the following section:-

 Section 17AA. Any coverage offered by the commission to an active or retired employee of the commonwealth, insured under the Group Insurance Commission, shall provide coverage for one electrocardiogram screening for high school aged MIAA athletes.

 SECTION 3. Chapter 175 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting before section 47CCC the following section:-

 Section 47AAA. Any policy, contract, agreement, plan or certificate of insurance issued, delivered or renewed within the commonwealth that provides medical expense coverage shall provide coverage for one electrocardiogram screening for high school aged MIAA athletes.

 SECTION 4. Chapter 176A of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after section 8DDD the following section:-

 Section 8EEE. Any contract between a subscriber and the corporation under an individual or group hospital service plan which is delivered, issued or renewed within the commonwealth shall provide coverage for one electrocardiogram screening for high school aged MIAA athletes.

 SECTION 5. Chapter 176B of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after section 4DDD the following section:-

 Section 4EEE. Any subscription certificate under an individual or group medical service agreement delivered, issued, or renewed within the commonwealth shall provide coverage for one electrocardiogram screening for high school aged MIAA athletes.

 SECTION 6. Chapter 176G of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after section 4VV the following section:-

 Section 4WW. Any individual or group health maintenance contract shall provide coverage for one electrocardiogram screening for high school aged MIAA athletes.