The proposed Louisiana Youth Concussions Act came one step closer to reality today as the bill passed through the House of Representatives on a vote.

Bill 189, which is sponsored by Louisiana State Senator Sherri Smith Cheek would possess several components and guidelines for youth athletes in order to protect them from suffering preventable brain injuries.  It would provide for increased education  and standards for coaches, officials, athletes, parents and healthcare providers in the recognition and subsequent management of concussions Most importantly it would ensure that any student removed from play for having been suspected of suffering a concussion or brain injury go through a defined medical evaluation process before being cleared to return to athletic activities.

The New Orleans Saints, NFL and Louisiana High School Athletic Association, along with leaders from the medical community have provided their unanimous support for the passage of the act. Former Saints players and current members of the front office Michael Lewis and Fred McAfee have gone to Baton Rouge in recent weeks to testify before the House and Senate on the importance of the Louisiana Youth Concussions Act.

The next step will be for the bill to go to vote before the Louisiana State Senate next week. If it passes in the Senate, Governor Bobby Jindal will have the opportunity to sign the bill to law.