The proposed bill establishes the Cohen Craddock Student Athlete Safety Act, which aims to enhance the safety of student athletes in West Virginia, particularly in high school and middle school football. It creates a new article in the West Virginia Code that includes the formation of the Student Athlete Safety Advisory Committee, which will evaluate safety protocols, equipment standards, and injury statistics related to interscholastic athletics. The committee will also recommend necessary safety measures to the Governor and the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability. Additionally, the bill mandates the use of impact-reducing soft-shell helmet covers during football practices starting July 1, 2026, and outlines warranty protections for helmets used with these covers.

Furthermore, the bill establishes the Cohen Craddock Memorial Grant Program and Fund to provide financial assistance to schools for acquiring safety equipment. The grant program will be administered by the West Virginia Department of Education, which will set grant amounts based on available funds and distribute them on a first-come-first-serve basis. The provisions of the act, including the grant fund, are set to expire on July 1, 2030, unless extended by the Legislature.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-36-1, 18-36-2, 18-36-3, 18-36-4, 18-36-5, 18-36-6
Committee Substitute: 18-36-1, 18-36-2, 18-36-3, 18-36-4, 18-36-5, 18-36-6
Committee Substitute for the Committee Substitute: 18-36-1, 18-36-2, 18-36-3, 18-36-4, 18-36-5, 18-36-6, 18-36-7