WV SB585

Creates the Cohen Craddock Student Athlete Safety Act, establishing a nine-member Student Athlete Safety Advisory Committee administered by the Department of Education to evaluate safety protocols, injury statistics, and equipment standards for interscholastic athletics

Requires all high school and middle school football players to use impact-reducing soft-shell helmet covers during practices effective July 1, 2026, with exemptions available for schools that certify financial hardship or for helmets that already exceed the safety profile

Prohibits football helmet manufacturers and dealers from voiding warranties or revoking safety certifications due to the use of approved soft-shell helmet covers

Establishes the Cohen Craddock Memorial Grant Program and Fund to help schools and county boards of education cover costs of procuring required safety equipment, funded through legislative appropriations, federal funds, and private donations

All provisions of the act, including the grant fund, sunset on July 1, 2030, unless extended by the Legislature