S 3503 New York Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Requires cardiac fitness certificates for interscholastic athletes in all public schools

This bill requires all public school student athletes in New York to obtain a yearly cardiac fitness certificate before participating in interscholastic sports. The certificate, signed by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner, must include the results of an electrocardiogram (EKG) or echocardiogram and confirm the student has no heart conditions that could cause serious health risks during athletic activity. It applies directly to every public school student joining sports teams, mandating annual medical evaluations rather than relying solely on standard physicals. The law aims to identify cardiac risks through specific diagnostic tests, ensuring student safety before athletic participation.

Issues: ✓ Healthcare

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 28, 2025 Last action Mar 13, 2026

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What changed between versions

S3503 → S3503A · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill amends New York's cardiac fitness requirements for interscholastic athletes by narrowing eligibility to only seventh-grade students or those turning thirteen during the school year, rather than all students. The amendment also corrects a spelling error in the medical terminology from 'echo-cardiogram' to 'echocardiogram'.

Scope change

The bill's scope was narrowed from applying to all public school students to only those in seventh grade or turning thirteen during the school year.

ELIGIBILITY

Cardiac fitness certificates are now only required for students in seventh grade or those turning thirteen during the school year, rather than all interscholastic athletes.

REQUIREMENT

The timing requirement for certificates was changed from 'before' participation to 'prior to participating'.

TECHNICAL

Corrected spelling of 'echocardiogram' from 'echo-cardiogram' in the title and text.

TIMELINE

Removed the twelve-month time limit for when the examination must be conducted relative to the athletic season.

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Mar 13, 2026

Upper · Passed

PRINT NUMBER 3503A

upper

Mar 13, 2026

Upper · Passed

AMEND (T) AND RECOMMIT TO EDUCATION

upper

Jan 7, 2026

Committee

REFERRED TO EDUCATION

upper

Jan 28, 2025

Committee

REFERRED TO EDUCATION

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors