There shall be a special commission to study concussions that occur as a result of varsity sports in public and private high schools.

The commission, of no more than 15 members, shall consist of: the Commissioner of Public Health or her designee, who shall serve as chair; 2 members who will be medical professionals who specialize in head injuries; the executive director of the Brain Injury Association of MA; 1 member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; 1 member appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives; 1 member appointed by the President of the Senate; and 1 member appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate; the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association or her designee; a professional whose primary responsibility is that of Athletic Director at a MA high school; a member who represents private high schools; a parent of a current high school student; coaches and other interested parties.  While appointing this commission consideration will be given to race, gender and geographic diversity.

The purpose of the commission is to analyze current data on the prevalence of sports related concussions and their primary causes; rules associated with each sport and current safety policies.  The commission will then make recommendations for the reduction of occurrences of concussions and procedures for identifying and responding to concussions that do occur, including any necessary legislative changes.

The commission will submit their findings to the Joint Committee on Public Health no later than February 1, 2016 with an interim report filed by December 1, 2015.