Gottheimer announces “Marcus’s Law” to require cardiac screenings for student athletes
NEW JERSEY — U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer announced new bipartisan legislation Monday aimed at requiring cardiac screenings for high school student athletes to help prevent sudden cardiac death.
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 April 20 at Westwood Regional High School alongside students, parents, health professionals and local officials.
“Showing up to compete should never mean risking your life,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “That’s what today is about — making sure every young athlete who takes the field or walks onto a court goes home safely.”
Gottheimer said the legislation is designed to detect hidden heart conditions before they become life-threatening and to improve access to screenings through partnerships with hospitals and providers offering low- or no-cost testing.
“This is a common-sense, life-saving step. We are talking about a simple screening that can detect hidden heart conditions before they become deadly,” Gottheimer added.
The bill is named in honor of Marcus Kayal, a Mahwah teen who died in 2019 at age 16 from an undetected heart condition.
“On Dec 27, 2019, our son Marcus Kayal passed away due to sudden cardiac death. Marcus was an asymptomatic, completely healthy student athlete. Our family was devastated by this loss,” said Debbie and George Kayal of the Marcus Kayal Legacy4Life Foundation. “This incredible legislation has the potential to save lives, especially for students who are asymptomatic and have no history of cardiac issues. We are humbled and honored to be connected with this initiative.”
Supporters said the issue remains a growing concern. According to Gottheimer’s office, about one in 215 children has an undiagnosed heart condition, and roughly 2,000 people under age 25 die each year from sudden cardiac arrest.
“My goal is to make cardiac screenings a regular part of student healthcare, not an exception,” said Jordan Schwartz. “It’s not enough for these screenings to happen only in Westwood. That’s why I have partnered with Congressman Gottheimer and his team to help create federal legislation that would require cardiac screening for all student athletes before they participate in high school sports.”
“As a parent and athlete myself, I know how important it is to take care of your body and stay on top of your health,” said Assemblywoman Lisa Swain. “We train hard, we push ourselves, but we also rely on the right tools and screenings to keep us safe. No family should have to face the loss of a child due to an undetected heart condition when we have the ability to help prevent it.”
Gottheimer also pointed to recent incidents in New Jersey, noting that at least 11 young athletes have collapsed during games or practices since 2021, with four deaths reported.
The legislation builds on existing efforts, including the HEARTS Act signed into law in 2024, which aims to expand access to automated external defibrillators and improve emergency preparedness in schools.
Gottheimer said he is also calling for continued funding for the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, which supports research and prevention efforts related to heart disease and sudden cardiac death.
