Bill > HB335

This bill amends the Quality Basic Education Act to address mental health risks for student athletes in Georgia by requiring athletic associations to develop and publish comprehensive mental health guidelines and educational materials. The bill defines key terms such as "student athlete" (students in grades 6-12 participating in interscholastic athletics), "athletic association" (organizing bodies for school sports), and "healthcare provider" (licensed mental health professionals). Schools will be required to provide annual mental health risk information to student athletes' parents or guardians, and coaches must review mental health guidelines each school year before being eligible to coach. The guidelines, developed in consultation with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, will include informational resources like videos to raise awareness about mental health risks and available resources for student athletes. The bill also includes a liability protection clause that shields schools, athletic associations, and their personnel from legal action related to mental health interventions, with an exception for healthcare providers not acting in a volunteer capacity. Additionally, the bill encourages youth athletic sponsors to implement these mental health awareness provisions, demonstrating a proactive approach to supporting student athletes' psychological well-being.

Education

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70065