LANSING — State Rep. Abdullah Hammoud (D-Dearborn) has introduced House Bill 6274, which would amend the revised school code (PA 451 of 1976) to require that the Michigan Department of Education, in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, develop and allow schools to offer baseline testing for concussions.
“As legislators, it is our responsibility to ensure protections are in place for the next generation,” said Rep. Hammoud. “My goal is to protect our young athletes at increased risk of concussions by providing access to cutting-edge diagnostic technology. Under this bill, Michigan would be among the nation’s leaders in concussion protocol for young athletes in our schools.”
Under HB 6274, public and private schools would have the option to offer baseline concussion tests to all students at the beginning of each academic year. Schools offering this testing would be required to encourage student-athletes to take the baseline test at least every other year. By providing baseline tests to students, this legislation would make it easier for doctors and trainers to identify whether student-athletes do in fact have a concussion when it is suspected.
“Athletic competition and participation is absolutely an integral part of a student’s experience, but the ultimate purpose of school is to ensure that students are growing into healthy, well-rounded adults prepared for the world,” said Rep. Hammoud. “That can’t happen when they’re suffering from undiagnosed concussions, which pose significant long-term, and sometimes even fatal, risks to athletes. We must address the serious issue of concussions head-on, which is the goal of this legislation.”
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