Texas House Bill HB960

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the removal of a public school student from an interscholastic athletic activity on the basis of a suspected concussion.

Impact

The passage of HB960 would amend the Texas Education Code to establish clear protocols concerning the removal of students from athletic activities due to potential concussion symptoms. These amendments serve to enhance existing measures by explicitly outlining the personnel responsible for determining whether a student should be removed from play. By introducing these regulations, the bill reinforces the crucial role of medical assessments in the context of student athletics, enhancing overall student health and safety.

Summary

House Bill 960 addresses the safety of public school students participating in interscholastic athletic activities by mandating immediate removal of a student from play or practice upon suspicion of a concussion. The bill lists specific individuals authorized to make this judgment, which includes coaches, physicians, licensed health care professionals, school nurses, and the student's parent or guardian. This legislation reflects an increasing awareness of the risks associated with concussions in youth sports and aims to safeguard students' health in compliance with medical advice.

Contention

While the bill is largely aimed at protecting students, there may be some contention regarding the implementation and adherence to the guidelines laid out in HB960. Concerns could arise about the training and awareness of coaches and staff members regarding concussion symptoms. Additionally, the potential for disagreements between parents and coaching staff about a student’s fitness to play could pose challenges to the effective enforcement of the bill.