House Committee Approves Changes To Concussion Laws

ST. PAUL (WCCO) -- A Minnesota House committee approved sweeping changes Friday in how Minnesota schools handle student athletes who suffer concussions.

The bill requires coaches to remove athletes from competition if they show any signs of a concussion. It also prohibits students from returning until a doctor says they have recovered.

One New Prague hockey player, Kayla Meyer, who suffered a concussion 16 months ago told lawmakers that athletic coaches and students need more information.

"Players today have their mindset that 'I am tough and strong,' whether you are a girl or a guy. If I sit out, my teammates will think I am faking, or tease me, which happened to me," said Meyer. "As of yesterday, I have been having a constant headache 24/7 for 16 months."

Meyer says she's missed 68 days of school since her concussion.

Doctors say it's hard to predict how long it takes to recover from concussions, especially among young people.