Louisiana House Bill HB868

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/16
• Refer: 3/4/16
• Refer: 3/14/16
• Report Pass: 3/30/16
• Engrossed: 4/13/16
• Refer: 4/14/16
• Report Pass: 5/2/16
• Enrolled: 5/5/16
• Chaptered: 5/19/16
• Passed: 5/19/16

Caption

Authorizes public school governing authorities to require at least one coach for each sport offered by a public school to be certified in CPR, first aid, and use of an automated external defibrillator

Impact

The enactment of HB 868 will modify Louisiana state law by mandating health training certifications for coaches involved in public school sports. This change not only enhances the preparedness of coaching staff to respond to health emergencies but also establishes a higher standard of care within public school sports programs. The requirement for certification is expected to reduce the risk of severe injuries or fatalities resulting from emergencies due to untrained staff.

Summary

House Bill 868, also known as the Cole Tracey Act, focuses on improving safety in extracurricular sports offered by public schools in Louisiana. It mandates that at least one coach for each sport within a school must be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The bill aims to ensure that trained personnel are available to respond effectively to medical emergencies that may arise during sports activities, thereby enhancing student safety and well-being.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 868 has been positive, reflecting a consensus on the importance of safety in youth sports. Advocates for the bill, including parents and health professionals, view it as a critical step toward safeguarding children participating in extracurricular activities. There appears to be strong support among lawmakers for ensuring that coaches are adequately trained to handle health crises.

Contention

Though the bill has received substantial support, there may be discussions related to the logistical implications of implementing such training requirements across all public schools. Some concerns could arise around the availability and accessibility of CPR and first aid training programs for coaches, especially in underfunded districts. Balancing the mandate with resource availability will be an ongoing consideration as the law is put into practice.