Rutigliano Attends Concussion Bill Signing/Applauds Legislature
Rep. Dave Rutigliano (R-123), Westport parent and resident, Pippa Bell Ader, and Rep. Tony Hwang (R-134) attend the ceremonial signing of Public Act 14-66, at Staples High School, Westport, Sept. 29.
WESTPORT — Connecticut House of Representatives, Human Services Committee member, Representative, Dave Rutigliano (R-123) joined Rep Tony Hwang, Governor Malloy, fellow legislators, and advocates, Monday, for the signing of Public Act, 14-66, An Act Concerning Youth Athletics and Concussions.
With the passing of Public Act 14-66, Connecticut joined other states in the implementation of comprehensive athlete concussion awareness and prevention laws.
According to the new law, Connecticut coaches are now required to attend training courses, and refresher courses on concussions and head injuries prior to starting their coaching assignments.
Coaches must immediately remove students from activities if they exhibit symptoms of concussion, and must not allow them to rejoin activities until written clearance is received by a licensed health care professional. Coaches in violation of the new law can have their coaching permits revoked by the State Board of Education.
School districts must now report incidents of concussions to the State Board of Education. The State Board is also required to submit an annual report concerning student athlete head injuries and concussions to the Department of Public Health.
Rep. Rutigliano co-sponsored the new law. He said he is proud of the work the state legislature accomplished.
“The seriousness of this issue deserved more attention. We need to do everything we can to help our children. This law helps to create common sense guidelines and resources for parents, teachers and coaches, to educate all on the seriousness of brain injuries.”
Rutigliano also co-sponsored Public Act 13-161, An Act Concerning Pool Safety at Public Schools, and Public Act, 14-11, An Act Concerning Sexual Assault, Stalking and Intimate Partner Violence on Campus.
“We took great steps to address student health and safety issues in 2013 and 2014. Hopefully, we will continue to accomplish great things.” he said.
Extensive testimony from student athletes, parents, coaches and lawmakers to the Connecticut State Legislature Children’s and Education Committee, led to Public Act 14-66 being passed.