Bill > H7902

This bill, effective July 1, 2026, replaces the existing "School and Youth Programs Concussion Act" with new requirements for school districts and youth sports programs to better manage concussions. It mandates that each school district must establish a "concussion oversight team," which will develop and implement protocols for a student's "return-to-play" (safely resuming athletic activities after a suspected concussion) and "return-to-learn" (safely returning to the classroom). These protocols must be based on scientific evidence and guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The bill also requires that students and their guardians sign a form acknowledging they have received and read information about concussion prevention, symptoms, treatment, and safe return to activity before participating in any interscholastic athletic activity for the school year. Furthermore, any student suspected of having a concussion during practice or competition must be immediately removed and cannot return until evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional, has successfully completed both the return-to-play and return-to-learn protocols, and receives written clearance from a physician, athletic trainer, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant stating it is safe to resume activities. The bill also specifies that coaches cannot authorize a student's return to play or learn, and outlines the necessary consent and disclosure procedures for a student's return.

Education

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