House passes bill to combat concussion injuries

BOISE (AP) — The House voted 59-7 to require Idaho schools to develop rules governing when student athletes must be pulled from games following a possible concussion — and when they can return.

In Monday's debate, advocates said this would make athletes safer, while opponents complained it left too much decision-making up to coaches.

A supporter, Rep. Mack Shirley of Rexburg, says these new protections will add to existing rules at Idaho schools, especially in keeping players out of competition until they're ready to return.

An opponent, Rep. Brent Crane of Nampa, believes it's wrong to leave such tough decisions to coaches, because they might be too caught up in the competition and unwilling to bench a star following a potentially dangerous hit.

The measure now heads to the Senate for consideration.