Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas House Bill HB691

Filed

11/15/22

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

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

Impact

The legislation will have a considerable impact on state laws governing public school athletics. Beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, all students must have signed acknowledgment forms before being allowed to participate in interscholastic sports. Additionally, coaches will be required to complete training courses focusing on SCA to ensure they can effectively identify symptoms and respond appropriately in case of an incident during practices or competitions. These changes aim to reduce the risk of SCA incidents and improve the overall health and safety framework within school sports programs.

Summary

House Bill 691 addresses the critical issue of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) affecting public school students participating in interscholastic athletics. The bill mandates specific safety requirements and preventive measures aimed at educating students, parents, and coaches about the risks associated with SCA. It establishes guidelines for recognizing warning signs and requires consent forms acknowledging receipt of information on SCA and the option for students to undergo electrocardiogram (EKG) testing before participating in athletic activities. By implementing these measures, the bill seeks to enhance safety for student athletes in Texas public schools.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 691 appears to be positive, with strong support for measures aimed at improving student safety. Advocates for the bill argue that it provides essential resources and training that will make a significant difference in how schools handle potential medical emergencies related to SCA. Parents and education professionals are likely to appreciate the increased awareness and proactive steps, thus fostering a safer environment for student athletes. However, some concerns may arise regarding the implementation logistics and the potential for increased administrative burden on schools.

Contention

While the primary focus of HB 691 is on student safety, there may be discussions regarding the adequacy of the training provided for coaches and health personnel. Critics might voice concerns about the effective execution of the mandated training and the potential costs associated with enforcing the guidelines. Importantly, the bill grants immunity to schools and staff from liability in relation to SCA incidents, which may lead to additional debate about accountability in the event of an emergency involving a student athlete.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

Chapter 38. Health And Safety
- Section: New Section

Chapter 33. Service Programs And Extracurricular Activities
- Section: 096

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3596

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.

TX SB379

Relating to information for prevention of 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.

TX SB835

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

TX AB1933

Pupil health: sudden cardiac arrest: athletic activities.

TX SB00229

An Act Concerning Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention.

TX HB45

Relating to public K-12 sports; to create the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act; to require the State Board of Education to adopt certain guidelines and information sheets regarding sudden cardiac arrest and distribute those information sheets to students, parents, and coaches; to require coaches to undergo certain training related to sudden cardiac arrest and to remove students who exhibit symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest from play; to require students and parents to acknowledge consent of certain informational materials related to sudden cardiac arrest; to establish certain penalties for coaches and to protect a coach from certain liability related to sudden cardiac arrest.

TX SB2099

Cardiac arrest prevention and education for student athletes and coaches.

TX AB379

Youth athletics: concussion and sudden cardiac arrest prevention protocols.

Similar Bills

IA HF189

A bill for an act relating to the eligibility of students enrolled in nonpublic schools to compete in extracurricular interscholastic athletic contests or competitions provided by public schools, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HF 1.) Effective date: 06/06/2025, 08/01/2025.

IA HF2003

A bill for an act relating to the participation in extracurricular interscholastic athletic contests and competitions by students with disabilities who are enrolled in public schools or nonpublic schools.

MS HB498

"Tim Tebow Act"; establish to provide equal access for homeschoolers to participate in public school extracurricular activities.

RI H6191

House Resolution Extending Congratulations

TX SB27

Relating to requiring public school and public institution of higher education students to compete in interscholastic athletic competitions based on biological sex.

TX HB84

Relating to requiring public school and public institution of higher education students to compete in interscholastic athletic competitions based on biological sex.

IA HF2214

A bill for an act relating to the eligibility of students enrolled in public schools or nonpublic schools to compete in extracurricular interscholastic athletic contests or competitions provided by other public schools or nonpublic schools.(See HF 2553.)