RICHMOND, Va. — Governor Ralph Northam signed legislation Friday to support and improve the safety of student athletes across Virginia.
House Bill 1930, requires the Board of Education to collaborate with stakeholders to biennially update its guidelines on policies related to concussions.
Full bill below:
The policies are intended to inform and educate coaches, students, and parents of the nature, risks, and effects of concussions. It will also explain the criteria for removal and return to play.
The legislation also requires each local school division to biennially update its policies and procedures regarding the identification and handling of suspected concussions in student athletes.
“As a state senator, I introduced and passed legislation directing the Board of Education to develop these guidelines and requiring local school divisions to create policies for identifying and handling suspected concussions,” said Governor Northam. “Delegate Bell’s legislation will strengthen this practice by requiring the Board’s guidelines and divisions’ procedures to be updated biennially, which will help account for new research and enhanced knowledge.”
The bill unanimously passed the House and the Senate.