BILL NUMBER: S7266
SPONSOR: KRUEGER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to providing informa-
tion on concussions to parents and guardians of children participating
in soccer programs, lacrosse programs, ice hockey programs, and field
hockey programs
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To provide children with information about concussions in youth soccer
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one: Provides a short title
Section two: Amends the Public Health Law to provide information on
concussions to children participating in programs
Section three: Specifies the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
As concussion safety research has made strides in the last several
years, New York should take basic steps to keep up. The dangers of
concussions, especially for children, are well documented. Concussions
early in life frequently lead to a myriad of health problems down the
line, most notably severe memory loss and depression. Those who suffer
from multiple concussions often develop a disease known as Chronic Trau-
matic Encephalitis (CTE), a degenerative brain disease that causes
erratic and aggressive behavior, difficulties with eating, walking,
speaking, and basic motor function. Even concussions that don't lead to
CTE are incredibly dangerous. As the American Association of Neurologi-
cal Surgeons points out, there is "there is no such thing as a minor
concussion."
CTE and other concussion related brain injuries are commonly found in
football players, a fact that the legislature acknowledged when they
passed a law requiring the disclosure of concussion safety information
in youth football programs. While football is the worst offender in
terms of youth concussions, recent research has shown soccer to be quite
dangerous for brain health. A recent McGill University study, for exam-
ple, found that 60% of college soccer players displayed concussion symp-
toms within only the one season studied. Providing youth soccer, hockey,
and lacrosse players with information necessary to protect their health
is vital to allow young people and parents to make informed safety deci-
sions.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
None.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately

Statutes affected:
S7266: 2595 public health law