FILED ON: 2/9/2016

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 3994

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Eighty-Ninth General Court
(2015-2016)

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An Act creating a commission to study concussions that occur as a result of varsity sports in public and private high schools.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

SECTION 1. There is hereby established a special commission to study concussions that occur as a result of varsity sports in public and private high schools. The commission shall consist of 9 members, one of whom shall be the commissioner of public health or designee, who shall serve as chair, 1 of whom shall be a representative of the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts; 1 of whom shall be a representative of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association; 1 of whom shall be a representative of the Athletic Trainers of Massachusetts; and 5 of whom shall be appointed by the Governor, 1 of whom shall be a physician with expertise in the management of sports-related concussions; 1 of whom shall be a researcher specializing in the study of the long-term consequences of brain trauma; 1 of whom is a professional whose primary responsibility is that of athletic director at a Massachusetts high school;  and 1 of whom is a representative of private school athletic programs in Massachusetts.  In appointing members of the commission, consideration shall be given to race, gender and geographic diversity.

The commission shall: (i) analyze current data on the prevalence and causes of sports-related concussions; (ii) review the rules associated with each sport and safety policies currently in effect with respect to each such sport; and (iii) study the cost and effectiveness of baseline concussion testing of athletes.

The commission shall make  recommendations regarding: (i) methods of reducing and preventing concussions; (ii) procedures to be employed by schools to identify and respond to occurrences of concussions; (iii) whether baseline concussion testing should be required for students participating in high school athletics; and (iv) any legislation the commission deems necessary to effect its recommendations.

The commission shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the joint committee on public health no later than February 1, 2017. The commission shall also submit a preliminary report of its findings and recommendations with the committee on or before December 1, 2016.