Relates to updating school concussion management and response protocols; requires that the injured student have returned to a full class schedule without academic accommodations prior to resuming athletic activity.
Summary
This bill, titled the “concussion management and awareness improvement act of 2026,” amends the Education Law to update New York’s school concussion protocols. It directs the Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, to revise rules for pupils who suffer mild traumatic brain injuries during school or school-related activities. The bill expands required concussion training for school personnel to include athletic trainers and medical directors employed by or under contract with a school or district, and it allows that training to be completed online or by teleconference if approved by the department.
The bill also strengthens school notice and response requirements. It requires state education and health websites to post concussion information, and schools must include that information in sports permission or consent forms and on school websites when available. It preserves the rule that a student suspected of having a concussion must be immediately removed from athletic activity and cannot return until symptom-free for at least 24 hours and cleared in writing by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. The bill adds a new condition for return to play: the student must also have returned to a full class schedule without academic accommodations related to the injury.
Impact
The bill would amend section 305 of the Education Law and would affect school districts, coaches, physical education teachers, nurses, athletic trainers, medical directors, and other school personnel involved in student athletics. It would also change the return-to-play standard by requiring academic recovery, not just symptom resolution and medical clearance, before a student may resume athletic activity. Schools would need to update training, consent forms, website notices, and concussion management procedures, and districts could optionally establish or expand concussion management teams to oversee compliance and parent outreach.
Sentiment
The available record suggests a generally supportive, preventative approach to student health and safety, with the bill framed as an update to existing concussion awareness and management rules rather than a major policy shift. No committee transcript or vote record is provided, so there is no documented opposition or formal debate in the materials. The bill’s emphasis on training, communication, and cautious return-to-play standards indicates a public-safety-oriented sentiment.
Contention
The main policy point of potential contention is the added requirement that a student must return to a full class schedule without academic accommodations before resuming athletics. Supporters are likely to view this as a stronger safeguard ensuring full recovery, while critics could argue it may delay return to sports or create ambiguity for students who need temporary academic supports. Another possible issue is the expanded list of personnel who must complete training and the broader administrative responsibilities for schools and districts, though the bill also gives districts discretion in forming concussion management teams.
Relates to updating school concussion management and response protocols; requires that the injured student have returned to a full class schedule without academic accommodations prior to resuming athletic activity.
Relates to updating school concussion management and response protocols; requires that the injured student have returned to a full class schedule without academic accommodations prior to resuming athletic activity.