After an emotional hearing, the House State Affairs Committee has delayed a decision until Monday on HB 676, legislation from Rep. Elaine Smith, D-Pocatello, to require more education of high school coaches and others about the risk of concussion to young athletes, and to require that youngsters suspected of having a concussion be removed from a game or practice until they're cleared by a trained health care provider. Experts, including an ISU professor who's extensively researched the issue, told the committee that one in five student athletes suffer concussions, and children under age 18 are much more vulnerable to brain damage from repeated concussions.

When a youngster suffers a concussion when a previous concussion hasn't yet healed, they can suffer from a syndrome that is often fatal, that leads to massive swelling of the brain. A father from Tetonia, Ray Breckenridge, came to the committee with his son, Kort, who was a top student and standout athlete but suffered repeated concussions, nearly dying and requiring repeated brain surgeries after a final one during the big football game of his senior year. Both father and son urged support for the bill. Committee members raised concerns about some of the details of the bill, while praising its intent. "I think the intent is beautiful," said Rep. Raul Labrador, who asked why schools aren't already doing this, without legislation. Rep. Lynn Luker, R-Boise, said he saw potential liability questions with the bill he wants explored by the state's attorney general. The vote to delay to Monday was unanimous.