Bill > HB4371

This bill establishes comprehensive safety standards for youth sports programs in Michigan, creating two tiers of standards (basic and advanced) that aim to protect young athletes. The basic standards require organizing entities to develop emergency action and severe weather plans, conduct annual criminal background checks on adults working with youth, ensure coaches complete training in areas like CPR, AED use, and concussion awareness, and regularly check safety equipment and practice sites. The advanced standards build upon these requirements by mandating additional safety measures such as designating a safety manager, implementing injury prevention strategies, and providing coaches with more extensive training on topics like managing practices, inclusivity, mental health, and substance use. The bill tasks the Institute for the Study of Youth Sports at Michigan State University with approving and overseeing these standards, and establishes a grant program through the Department of Health and Human Services to help organizing entities, especially those serving low-income communities, meet these standards. Organizing entities can voluntarily seek certification for compliance, which is valid for one year, with the goal of creating a safer, more supportive environment for youth athletes across Michigan.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4371