Replaces the existing chapter on this subject by requiring school districts to organize concussion oversight teams, develop removal-from-play, return-to-play, and return-to-learn protocols, and develop a concussion brochure.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would update Rhode Island's existing rules about how schools handle concussions among student athletes. Under the new law, every school district would be required to form a "concussion oversight team" — a group of trained individuals responsible for managing how concussions are identified and addressed. Each district would also need to create clear, written plans covering three key situations: when to remove a student from play after a possible concussion, when it's safe for them to return to athletic activity, and how to support their return to the classroom while they recover.

The bill also requires school districts to create an informational brochure about concussions that would be shared with students, parents, and coaches. This brochure would help everyone involved understand what a concussion is, what warning signs to look for, and why proper recovery matters. These requirements would essentially replace the older, existing state law on the same topic with updated, more detailed standards.

This bill primarily affects public school students who participate in sports or other physical activities, as well as their parents, coaches, school administrators, and medical staff. The goal is to make sure there are consistent, clearly defined procedures across all Rhode Island school districts so that no student is rushed back into play or school before they are medically ready. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process and has been referred to the House Education Committee for further review.