Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB835

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to prevention, treatment, and management of concussions affecting public and private school students participating in interscholastic athletics.

Impact

The legislation mandates that students participating in interscholastic sports must complete a concussion information acknowledgment form, prepared by the relevant educational bodies. Moreover, it enforces a protocol ensuring that any student suspected of sustaining a concussion during practice or competition is immediately removed from the activity and can only return after undergoing a comprehensive evaluation and obtaining clearance from designated medical professionals. This requirement aims to promote healthier recovery practices for student athletes and foster an environment prioritizing their well-being.

Summary

SB835 aims to enhance the prevention, treatment, and management of concussions impacting public and private school students engaged in interscholastic athletics. The bill introduces stringent guidelines requiring educational institutions to establish concussion management teams that must include licensed healthcare professionals, such as physicians, athletic trainers, and neuropsychologists. This initiative underlines the importance of having qualified personnel available to address the health and safety concerns posed by sports-related concussions among student athletes.

Sentiment

The discussions surrounding SB835 reveal a strong consensus on the necessity of protecting student athletes from the detrimental effects of concussions. Stakeholders, including educators, health professionals, and parents, largely support the bill, recognizing that enhanced protocols and medical oversight are vital in mitigating the risks associated with concussions. However, there are concerns regarding the implementation logistics and the potential financial and administrative burdens on school districts tasked with forming and maintaining concussion management teams.

Contention

Key points of contention involve the practicality and efficacy of the proposed measures, such as the sufficiency of training provided to coaches and staff in recognizing and managing concussive symptoms. Additionally, discussions have highlighted the need for resources and guidance for schools, particularly smaller or underfunded districts, to comply with the new requirements effectively. Ensuring that all schools can adhere to these standards without straining their budgets has become a significant focus of the ongoing legislative dialogue surrounding the bill.

Companion Bills

TX HB2038

Identical Relating to prevention, treatment, and oversight of concussions affecting public school students participating in interscholastic athletics.

Previously Filed As

TX HB691

Relating to prevention of and safety requirements regarding sudden cardiac arrest affecting public school students participating in interscholastic athletics.

TX HB1002

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

TX SB1506

Relating to a seizure management and treatment plan for the care to be provided by a public school to a student with a seizure disorder.

TX HB3610

Relating to a seizure management and treatment plan for the care to be provided by a public school to a student with a seizure disorder.

TX HB920

Relating to the use of medication designated for treatment of respiratory distress on public and private school campuses.

TX HB1802

Relating to the compensation and professional representation of certain students participating in University Interscholastic League activities or in intercollegiate athletic programs at certain institutions of higher education.

TX SB971

Relating to the compensation and professional representation of certain students participating in University Interscholastic League activities or in intercollegiate athletic programs at certain institutions of higher education.

TX SB294

Relating to the use of epinephrine auto-injectors and medication designated for treatment of respiratory distress on public and private school campuses.

TX HB23

Relating to participation in athletic activities based on biological sex; providing a civil right to action for K-12 athletes and college athletes.

TX SB649

Relating to participation in athletic activities based on biological sex; providing a civil right to action for K-12 athletes and college athletes.

Similar Bills

TX HB3596

Relating to prevention of and safety requirements regarding sudden cardiac arrest affecting public school students participating in interscholastic athletics.

TX HB2038

Relating to prevention, treatment, and oversight of concussions affecting public school students participating in interscholastic athletics.

WI SB980

Participation in interscholastic athletics and application of the public records and open meetings laws to interscholastic athletic associations.

WI AB1034

Participation in interscholastic athletics and application of the public records and open meetings laws to interscholastic athletic associations.

TX SB213

Relating to the functions and duties of the University Interscholastic League.

TX HB3189

Relating to the functions and duties of the University Interscholastic League.

TX HB691

Relating to prevention of and safety requirements regarding sudden cardiac arrest affecting public school students participating in interscholastic athletics.

TX HB2605

Relating to prevention of and safety requirements regarding sudden cardiac arrest affecting public school students participating in interscholastic athletics.