The proposed bill aims to establish the Cohen Craddock Student Athlete Safety Act, which includes several key provisions to enhance the safety of student athletes in West Virginia. It introduces a new article to the Code of West Virginia that outlines legislative findings regarding the risks faced by student athletes, such as concussions and heat-related illnesses. The bill creates the Student Athlete Safety Advisory Committee, which will evaluate safety protocols and equipment standards for interscholastic athletics, and mandates the use of impact-reducing soft-shell helmet covers during football practices. Additionally, it ensures that the use of these helmet covers does not void any warranties or safety certifications associated with the helmets.

Furthermore, the bill establishes the Cohen Craddock Memorial Grant Program, which will provide funding to schools or county boards of education for acquiring safety equipment recommended by the Advisory Committee. A special revenue fund, the Cohen Craddock Memorial Grant Fund, will be created to support this program, consisting of appropriated funds, federal contributions, and private donations. The Department of Education will administer the grant program and set the amount of grants based on available funds, ensuring that any unspent funds remain allocated for the program's purposes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-36-1, 18-36-2, 18-36-3, 18-36-4, 18-36-5, 18-36-6