Pennsylvania Close To Passing New Law On Head Injuries For Student Athletes
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) - It appears that Pennsylvania will soon have a new law governing how coaches and parents handle head injuries suffered by student athletes.
The bill would require that students who show signs of a concussion or brain injury be removed from a game and not allowed to play again until evaluated and cleared by an appropriate medical professional. Montgomery County Democrat Tim Briggs is a key supporter of the legislation passed by the House Wednesday.
"Over the years, the mentality of head injuries in sports was to shake it off and get back in the game. And I wanted to make sure that we were part of protecting our state's most valuable resource – our children. And to let our youth, parents and coaches know that concussions are nothing to shake off."
The Senate bill passed by the House now goes back to the Senate for concurrence on amendments. A spokesman for the Senate majority leader says he expects the Senate will send the bill to the governor later this month, and he is expected to sign it.
Reported by Tony Romeo, KYW Newsradio
