CREP Legislative Advocacy Update

As part of our mission to elevate the exercise profession, CREP continues to advocate for policy changes that promote access to qualified exercise professionals and protect those we serve—especially student athletes. Here is a look at our recent legislative wins, challenges, and ongoing priorities.

Athlete Safety in the Spotlight

2025 has seen meaningful progress in legislation aimed at improving student athlete safety—an area CREP has prioritized as part of our Athlete Alive initiative.

• Florida SB 1070 was passed and signed into law, requiring electrocardiograms (EKGs) for high school athletes prior to participation in interscholastic sports. This represents a crucial step in identifying underlying cardiac conditions and preventing avoidable tragedies.
• In Virginia, a suite of bills advanced comprehensive safety measures:
  • SB 1104 and HB 1663 mandate that schools develop evidence-based protocols for extreme heat, including hydration, rest periods, and emergency procedures.
  • SB 1320 and SB 1030 require more rigorous pre-participation physical evaluations to ensure young athletes are medically cleared for activity.

These legislative successes reflect CREP’s continued collaboration with policymakers, member organizations, and allied health and sport stakeholders to improve athlete safety through guidelines and policies that include access to qualified exercise professionals to design and supervise training and conditioning activities.

Federal Legislative Update – Wins and Setbacks

At the federal level, CREP supported key provisions embedded in HB 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” The bill originally included:

• Language from the PHIT Act (US S 1144 / US HR 2369) to allow the use of pre-tax health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts for certain fitness and sports-related expenses.
• Provisions from US HR 1151 to expand allowable 529 education savings plan expenditures to include vocational training and occupational credentials—including those held by exercise professionals.

While the PHIT Act language was removed during the Senate reconciliation process, the expanded 529 eligibility was signed into law—a major win that will help aspiring professionals access and afford accredited exercise credentials.

What’s Ahead

CREP remains focused on:

• Restoring and advancing PHIT Act language in upcoming federal legislation.
• Supporting state and federal bills that improve athlete safety, public access to exercise professionals, and recognition of registered exercise professionals’ credentials.
• Educating legislators about the distinct role that registered exercise professionals play in preventive health, chronic condition management, and performance optimization.

We will continue to amplify the voice of our profession in the policy arena—and push for smart legislation that protects the public and expands opportunities for credentialed professionals.

For more details or to get involved, visit www.usreps.org.