Scott Signs Bill That Aims To Prevent Head Injuries In Student Athletes

MIAMI (CBSMiami) — Student athletes get an education in the classroom, but they haven't had a proper one on injury prevention.

That changed Friday morning, when Governor Rick Scott signed into law House Bill 291.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Anitere Flores (R-Miami), was unanimously passed by the Senate.

The new law will educate youth athletes, coaches and parents about the warning signs for concussions, so that athletes won't get back into the game too soon after a head injury.

Scott signed the bill at the Lois Pope LIFE Center, home of the Miami Project To Cure Paralysis:

Senator Flores is proud the bill became law.

"I heard personally from concerned constituents about the lack of awareness regarding head injuries and the proper precautions," said Flores. "All too often, athletes get back in the game without fully considering their injuries and the potential for long-term cognitive deficits. I am very proud of the strides that have been made to help protect Florida's student athletes and am thankful for the broad support from both sides of the aisle."