Texas House Approves Student Concussion Bill

AUSTIN (AP) - The Texas House wants schools to develop protocol for identifying and overseeing concussions sustained by student athletes.

The vote Wednesday would require districts to have a concussion oversight team of medical professionals and a district athletic trainer. Members of the team would be trained in the evaluation, treatment and oversight of concussions.

Students would also have to be removed immediately from a competition or practice if it is reasonably believed that they suffered a concussion.

The student would have to be cleared by a physician -- not a coach -- to return to play.

Rep. Walter Price said he wants his bill to raise awareness to the issue because often symptoms of a concussion go unrecognized.

The bill would be named "Natasha's Law" after an athlete who sustained five concussions.

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