CT HB06561

Establishes a task force to study injury prevention practices and safety protocols in youth sports leagues and intramural and interscholastic athletic programs, effective upon passage.

Task force shall analyze the efficacy of protective neck guards in ice hockey, cardiac health testing requirements for youth athletes, health effects of synthetic turf and crumb rubber on youth athletes, and best practices for injury prevention compared to existing state practices.

Task force composition includes 16 members appointed by legislative leaders with expertise in sports medicine, neuroscience, cardiology, orthopedics, athletic training, and related fields, plus the Commissioners of Public Health and Education.

Task force shall submit a report on neck guard findings by January 1, 2024, and a comprehensive report on cardiac testing, field conditions, and safety protocols by January 1, 2025, after which the task force terminates.

Youth athletic programs operated by private entities may voluntarily adopt the task force recommendations for developing their injury prevention and safety protocols, effective January 1, 2024.