The bill amends the Coach Safely Act by revising the definition of "youth athlete" and establishing procedures for the Alabama Department of Public Health to notify youth athletic associations that are noncompliant with the Act. Specifically, it modifies Section 22-11F-2 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to change the definition of "youth athlete" from individuals "age 14 and under" to "an individual who is 14 years of age or under and who has yet been admitted to seventh grade." Additionally, it introduces a new Section 22-11F-4, which outlines a structured notification and penalty system for associations that fail to comply with the Act over multiple years, including fines and potential restrictions on conducting activities on state property.
The bill also includes the insertion of new definitions, such as "Department" referring to the Alabama Department of Public Health, and clarifies the roles of associations and personnel involved in youth athletic activities. The penalties for noncompliance escalate with each consecutive year of failure to adhere to the Act, starting with private notifications and culminating in fines and restrictions on conducting youth athletic activities. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.
Statutes affected:
Introduced: 22-11F-4, 22-11F-2
Engrossed: 22-11F-4, 22-11F-2
Enrolled: 22-11F-4, 22-11F-2