Senate Approves Concussion Bill For Athletes

The Idaho Senate has signed off on legislation intended to protect Idaho youth athletes from devastating concussions.

Senate lawmakers voted unanimously Wednesday to approve the bill, which requires Idaho schools to develop rules for when students must be pulled from sporting events following a possible concussion.

The plan, which already passed the House, now heads to Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter for final consideration.

Declo Sen. Denton Darrington sponsored the measure, saying the growth of athletes and the damage concussions cause make the risk too large to ignore. Schools would have leeway to design their own plans dictating when athletes should be pulled from games after a head injury, and when they can return.

Proponents also say coaches and schools that follow federal base guidelines could be shielded from liability.