Bill > HB3811

This bill introduces the Coach Safely Act, which requires youth athletics associations to mandate a comprehensive injury mitigation and information course for coaches and athletics personnel working with athletes under 15 years old in high-risk sports like baseball, basketball, football, soccer, and others. The course, which can be online or in-person and must be approved by the Department of State Health Services, must cover topics including emergency preparedness, concussion awareness, heat-related injury prevention, physical conditioning, and cardiac health risks. Coaches and athletics personnel must complete the course within 30 days of starting their role and then annually thereafter, with associations required to maintain records of course completion. The bill provides civil liability immunity for coaches who complete the course and reasonably follow its safety techniques. Importantly, the law does not apply to healthcare professionals like athletic trainers or physicians and does not impose additional liability on political subdivisions. The act will take effect on September 1, 2025, with the Health and Human Services Commission responsible for adopting implementation rules.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3811