Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7903

Introduced
2/27/26  

Caption

Requires schools to implement a plan to provide academic accommodation for a student who has been diagnosed with a concussion or other brain injury.

Impact

The enactment of H7903 is designed to enhance safety and support for youth athletes who experience concussions during sports activities. The bill mandates that school districts develop immediate and temporary accommodation plans, working in coordination with healthcare professionals to decide on necessary physical activity limitations. This approach is rooted in minimizing the risk of reinjury and promoting recovery through tailored support systems within educational environments.

Summary

House Bill H7903, known as the 'School and Youth Programs Concussion Act,' aims to amend existing legislation to ensure that students diagnosed with a concussion or other brain injuries receive appropriate academic accommodations. The bill requires public education providers, including school districts and charter schools, to develop a comprehensive plan outlining how to support affected students in their educational activities. This includes adjustments in physical activities, academic workloads, and appropriate communication among teachers and staff regarding a student's condition.

Contention

While the bill is generally seen as a progressive initiative aimed at protecting student athletes, some points of contention may arise regarding the implementation and resources required for schools to comply fully with the new mandates. Stakeholders may be concerned about the affordability and feasibility of establishing training protocols and maintaining compliance with safety regulations. The necessity for regular reviews of accommodation plans every two months may also pose logistical challenges for school districts, particularly smaller institutions with limited resources.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5489

Replaces the existing chapter on this subject by requiring school districts to organize concussion oversight teams, develop removal-from-play, return-to-play, and return-to-learn protocols, and develop a concussion brochure.

RI S0319

Replaces the existing chapter on this subject by requiring school districts to organize concussion oversight teams, develop removal-from-play, return-to-play, and return-to-learn protocols, and develop a concussion brochure.

RI H5490

Requires all school districts to designate a certified athletic trainer at each high school within its district.

RI S0320

Requires all school districts to designate a certified athletic trainer at each high school within its district.

RI S0703

Alters a PA’s continuing education requirements, ability to provide charitable care, and authority to clear students to return to sports after health-concern related removal and protect PA’s from certain restrictive covenants.

RI S0234

Requires transition planning for high school students with disabilities, who have a “504” plan, like the transition planning required for high school students with disabilities, who have an individualized education program (IEP).

RI H6271

Requires public middle schools, to allow students from a recognized non-public, charter, or alternative education institution, to participate in a non-sponsored sport in the school district where the student resides.

RI H5746

Relieves East Providence from providing any educational/financial resources to children in the CRAFT program or other Bradley Hospital programs. Requires the school district of origin where the student was last registered to bear this responsibility.

RI S0233

Repeals the establishment of statewide academic standards for core subjects and the implementation into the curriculum of all public schools.

RI H5983

Requires free breakfast and lunches be provided to elementary and secondary students attending public schools.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.