Bill > HB2042

This bill expands protections against concussions and traumatic brain injuries for young athletes by broadening the definition of "athletic activity" to include "official recreational athletic events," which are defined as organized contests or competitions for participants under 18 years old, sponsored by an organization, requiring registration, having written rules, and involving regular season or tournament play, but not associated with a school or an incidental competition. It also introduces the term "pre-adult participant" to refer to individuals under 18 who are not students but participate in athletic activities, and "sponsoring organization" for entities involved in organizing these events. The bill mandates that educational materials on concussions and traumatic brain injuries be provided to both students and these pre-adult participants, and that their parents or guardians, along with the participants themselves, sign an acknowledgment of receipt and review of this information annually before participation. Furthermore, it requires coaches to complete concussion management training approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or similar organizations, and clarifies that removal from play due to suspected concussion symptoms must be done by designated officials, with return to play requiring written clearance from an appropriate medical professional, and introduces "return-to-learn" information distribution by sponsoring organizations.

Health and Social Services

https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb2042