Requires all school districts to designate a certified athletic trainer at each high school within its district.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would require every school district in Rhode Island to have at least one certified athletic trainer assigned to each high school in the district. A certified athletic trainer is a healthcare professional specifically trained to prevent, diagnose, and treat sports-related injuries — including concussions. Right now, not all Rhode Island high schools are required to have this type of professional on staff.

The bill appears to be part of Rhode Island's broader Concussion Act, which aims to better protect student athletes from head injuries and other sports-related harm. By requiring a certified athletic trainer at every high school, the bill ensures that trained medical eyes are present to spot potential injuries during practices and games, and that students get proper care quickly when something goes wrong.

This bill would directly affect all Rhode Island public school districts, school administrators, and most importantly, student athletes participating in high school sports. Districts that don't currently employ certified athletic trainers would need to hire them, which could mean additional costs for school budgets. For students and parents, it could mean greater peace of mind knowing a qualified professional is watching out for athlete safety.

As of now, the bill has been referred to the House Education Committee, which recommended holding it for further study, meaning lawmakers want more time to review the proposal before moving it forward. It is scheduled for additional consideration in March 2026.