HF 648 – Technical changes to Career and Technical Education;
HF 2442 – School sport concussion protocols.
FLOOR ACTION:
HF 648 makes technical changes to the Career and Technical Education bill that passed in 2016 (HF-2392). The 2016 bill added the work-based learning program to the workers’ compensation section so that students are protected in case of injury. Because workers’ compensation is the exclusive remedy for an injured worker, businesses are exempt from lawsuits. For the program, HF-2392 added to the exemption accredited nonpublic schools, community colleges, and directors, officers and authorities in charge of a school. It also referenced a school district, but due to the group of schools involved in this program, the bill changes the reference to “corporation” and adds individual schools to the list.
The bill also changes the way funds are distributed to the Regional Planning Partnerships, shifting from reimbursement to disbursement, and allowing federal Perkins dollars to flow through to FFA programs. It clarifies that some consumable supplies can be purchased with partnership funds, such as feed for livestock. The bill passed the Iowa House 98-0.
[4/12: 47-0 (Excused: Bertrand, Zumbach; 49 seated senators)]
HF 2442 relates to school sport concussion protocols and coaching licensure. The bill requires the Department of Public Health, the Iowa High School Athletic Association and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union to develop training materials and courses on concussions, brain injuries and return-to-play protocols. A coach or contest official must complete the training at least every two years. A student removed from sports participation cannot recommence until they are evaluated by a license health care provider. The bill removes a school’s legal liability for the actions or non-actions of a licensed health care provider at an extracurricular interscholastic activity so long as the provider acts reasonably, in good faith and in the best interest of the student athlete. The Senate passed a largely technical amendment. The House accepted most of the suggested changes, except the following:
- The “Extracurricular Interscholastic Activity” is for dance, cheer or any activity, contest or practice governed by the Iowa High School Athletic Association and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union. This means there will be consistent concussion protocols among sports. For example, a student who has a concussion from football wouldn’t be allowed to participate in cross country until cleared from concussion. The amendment also deletes the definition of the contact or limited activity identified by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- Under the extended liability of the Senate amendment, the scheduled event with the health care provider or EMT would be someone who is under a prearranged agreement with the school district or accredited nonpublic school. Also the “unforeseen circumstance” must be documented.
The Senate accepted the Houses changes on final passage.
[4/12: 46-0 (Excused: Bisignano, Bertrand, Zumbach; 49 seated senators)]