High School Athlete Concussions, Transfer Bills Reach Rick Scott

A bill that would keep high school athletes with concussions off the field until cleared by a doctor, and another that would allow high school athletes to transfer without missing a game, both reached Gov. Rick Scott on Friday.

Supporters of HB 1403 said the intent is to ensure a high school athlete is not punished when a family moves, for divorce or foreclosure, by being forced to wait until the next season to play. Opponents warned that the bill could result in the school sport powerhouses recruiting athletes away from small schools.

Meanwhile, HB 291 requires coaches to immediately pull an athlete from a game once they get a head injury and for the student to get medical clearance before he or she can return to competition.

Scott has until April 28 to sign, ignore and let the bill become law or veto the bills.