Bill > HB103

This bill, known as the Youth Athlete Protection Act, requires the Department of Human Resources (DHR) to create a model policy by January 1, 2027, to prevent child abuse in youth sports, which will include standards for prohibited conduct, a code of conduct, and a mandatory reporting policy. Local sports organizations and local governments that offer youth sports must adopt and implement a similar policy, and annually certify their compliance with the DHR, which will maintain a public list of compliant entities. Furthermore, all youth sports coaches must undergo a criminal background check and complete mandatory reporter training, which the DHR will develop, covering their responsibilities and child abuse prevention strategies. The bill defines "child abuse" as harm to individuals under 18, a "coach" as anyone employed or volunteering in a youth sports capacity (with some exceptions), and clarifies terms for "department," "local government," "youth athlete," and "youth sports organization." Entities found out of compliance will have their youth athletic activities immediately suspended until they rectify the issues.

Health and Social Services

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