ALBANY (AP) -- New York legislative leaders are pushing new protections for student athletes who get concussions, including taking students who may have a mild traumatic brain injury out of a game or gym class and keeping them sidelined until they're symptom-free for at least 24 hours.
Sen. Kemp Hannon, a Long Island Republican who chairs the Senate Health Committee, says the number of children hurt annually is "alarming."
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said the legislation creates a safer environment for student athletes by building a statewide standard.
The measure would direct the state Education Department, in consultation with the Health Department, to adopt rules.
It calls for each school district to establish a group responsible for staff training and student and parent education.
Both chambers are expected to act before the legislative session ends next week.
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