Bill > HF461

This bill requires private youth sports leagues and school districts to implement policies to protect child athletes from commotio cordis, which is defined as a heart rhythm disturbance caused by a sudden blow to the chest. For sports deemed high-risk, such as baseball, soccer, and ice hockey, these organizations must annually provide information about commotio cordis to coaches, children, and their parents or guardians, covering its causes, emergency response actions, and reporting procedures to a national registry. Additionally, they must develop and maintain an emergency action plan for suspected commotio cordis episodes, ensuring at least one staff member or volunteer knowledgeable in this plan is present at all practices and competitions. While leagues and schools are encouraged to acquire defibrillators and are protected from liability for their use in treating commotio cordis, the bill clarifies that it does not create or alter general liability or immunity for any person. The bill also specifies that any state costs associated with these mandates for school districts will be covered by their existing state school foundation aid.