Shoaf’s “Second Chance” bill goes into effect July 1

I’m excited to share that Governor Ron DeSantis has signed the Second Chance Act into law, effective July 1.

I filed HB 1135 in memory of Chance Gainer, a Port St. Joe High School athlete who died on the field in the middle of a championship football game due to a sudden cardiac event.

The Second Chance Act is transformational legislation designed to detect these underlying cardiac health conditions in young athletes. HB 1135 would require that high school students participating in athletics undergo a simple medical evaluation, including an electrocardiogram, before participating in school-sanctioned sports.

Sudden cardiac arrest events are the leading cause of death at schools and in young athletes. This legislation has the opportunity to truly transform lives.

I am so grateful to Equila and JJ Gainer for their partnership through this effort to honor their son.

In celebration of this legislation and to honor Chance’s legacy, I’ve partnered with Who We Play For to host a free community screening event at Port St. Joe High School. I encourage you and your families to come out to this event and get screened.

Please find more details below.

WHO: Representative Jason Shoaf and Who We Play For

WHAT: Free EKG Screenings for the Community in Celebration of Chance Gainer and the Second Chance Act

WHEN: Thursday, July 10th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

WHERE: Port St. Joe High School, 100 Shark Dr, Port Saint Joe, FL

Participants must be between ages 10 and 25 to benefit from the free screening. Participants are encouraged to avoid physical activity for 20 to 30 minutes prior to the screening to ensure a resting heart rate.