House rejects youth sports concussions bill

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The House of Delegates has killed legislation requiring youth sports programs that use public school property to adopt procedures for dealing with concussions.

The House voted 53-40 Thursday to send the bill to its Courts of Justice Committee, which will not meet again before Saturday's scheduled adjournment.

Democratic Sen. Ralph Northam, a Norfolk pediatric neurologist, sponsored the bill to address what he said is a growing problem with concussions in youth sports.

But critics said the bill could subject volunteer coaches to liability for players' head injuries. Republican Del. Greg Habeeb of Salem said the liability issue needs to be considered by lawyers on the courts committee.

Democratic Del. Jennifer McClellan of Richmond disputed the claim of increased liability. She said opponents just wanted to kill the bill.