Montana bill would expand concussion rules for youth sports

Montana in 2013 passed a law that requires student-athletes at public schools to be removed from games at the first sign of a concussion. They must be examined and are not permitted to return until they receive clearance from a medical professional. Now, lawmakers are trying to expand the law to private schools and youth leagues.

Rep. Moffie Funk, D-Helena, said House Bill 487 fills in “a missing piece” to the Dylan Steigers Act, and extends it beyond school-sanctioned sports.

She said it has athletes and coaches follow certain protocols and adds an immunity clause that does not hold volunteers or coaches liable for civil damages arising from an injury unless the person is “willfully negligent in the person’s act or omission.”

“All we’re asking is for them to become educated and follow procedures when they suspect a concussion,” Funk said at a Feb. 24 hearing.

The proposal has the support of the Montana Athletic Trainers’ Association and the Montana High School Association. It’s currently being considered by the Senate’s Education and Cultural Resources Committee.

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