Protecting Student Athletes from Concussions Act of 2025
The Protecting Student Athletes from Concussions Act of 2025 would create federal minimum standards for concussion prevention, recognition, management, and recovery in public schools. States that receive funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) would need to enact specific concussion requirements within five fiscal years after enactment if they don’t already meet them. The core requirements include: (1) a local educational agency (LEA) concussion safety and management plan with training for staff and students, reporting and record-keeping forms, and supports for students recovering from concussions; (2) posting concussion information at all public schools based on peer-reviewed evidence; (3) immediate removal from activities and restricted return if concussion is suspected, with mandatory reporting to parents; (4) a health-care-professional–provided written clearance and a progressive return-to-activity plan; and (5) a return-to-academics process with cognitive supports and accommodations. States that don’t comply face staged funding reductions from the federal education budget. The act also defines key terms and preserves existing liability standards.
Key Points
- 1Minimum state requirements: States receiving ESEA funds must enact a LEA concussion safety and management plan, including staff training, student/parent forms, treatment plans, and a multi-disciplinary concussion management approach for recovery that may tie into special education or 504 accommodations if symptoms persist.
- 2Public posting: Schools must post concussion information on site and on their websites based on peer-reviewed evidence, covering risks, response steps, and signs/symptoms.
- 3Immediate response and reporting: If concussion is suspected, a designated school employee must remove the student from participation and prevent return that day, with prompt reporting to the student’s parent/guardian about the injury and actions taken.
- 4Return-to-activity and academics: A health care professional must provide a written release before returning to sports, with a possible plan for gradual reintroduction and rest as needed; the school concussion team must coordinate academic supports, including cognitive rest, modified work, and gradual reintroduction of cognitive demands.
- 5Compliance and funding consequences: If a state fails to comply by the deadline, the Secretary of Education would reduce ESEA funding by 5% in the first year and 10% in subsequent years, with advance notice to the state and Congress.