Legislation to Protect Youth in Sports Passed Committee

DENVER, CO –  The House Health and Human Services Committee today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Jennifer Parenti and Jenny Willford to better protect youth and keep them safe when participating in private organized sports. 

“Youth sports are incredibly popular in Colorado at all ages and skill levels. This legislation expands the use of background checks, CPR and First Aid training to ensure our kids can learn, play and compete in the safest environment possible,” said Rep. Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie. "An important part of protecting kids is working to ensure harm doesn’t happen in the first place.”

“Keeping our youth safe while participating in non-school related sports is a top priority,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “This legislation would require youth sports organizations to run criminal background checks on coaches and other leading personnel as well as require personnel to receive First Aid certifications to keep our kids safe.” 

HB24-1080, which passed committee by a vote of 9 to 3, would require private youth sports organizations to conduct criminal history record checks on personnel who work directly with youth athletes, in both a volunteer or paid position. This bill would also require paid directors, coaches, assistant coaches or athletic program personnel to be CPR and First Aid/AED certified to help youth in the case of an emergency. HB24-1080 aims to prevent childhood sexual assault and keep our youth safe while participating in out-of-school activities.