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DENVER, CO – The House today passed two bills on a preliminary vote to support Colorado students. SB26-060 would require youth coaches to receive training on the mental health risks from concussions. HB26-1078 would expand low and no-cost college-level courses to high school students.
“As a former educator and coach, I’ve dedicated my career to Colorado students, and these bills support our kids,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial, sponsor of SB26-060 and HB26-1078. “One of my bills protects students by expanding training for youth coaches, so they’re informed about the mental health risks from a concussion sustained by a youth athlete, including anxiety and depression. Another bill updates the definition of concurrent enrollment, so more students can save time and money as they begin building their careers. Colorado Democrats are committed to strengthening Colorado’s K-12 education system, and these bills meet the needs of our students to help them be successful.”
SB26-060 is also sponsored by Representative Ty Winter, R-Trinidad. This bill, also known as the Alyssa Youth Concussion and Mental Health Protection Act, would help keep student athletes safe by informing coaches and parents of the mental health risks of concussions. The bill also requires youth coaches to receive training on broader mental health issues, including wellness plans and the impact that coaches can have on students.
Under current law, youth athletic coaches must complete a concussion recognition course and remove an athlete from play if they suspect the athlete has a concussion. This bill expands the training to include more information on the relationship between concussions and mental health for coaches at middle, junior and high schools. The general concussion course applies to youth coaches at public and private middle schools, high schools, clubs, leagues and recreation facilities.
Additionally, this bill requires coaches to inform parents or guardians of athletes who sustain a concussion of possible changes in their mental health as a result of the concussion. Under current law, if a student is removed from play due to a suspected concussion, their parents or guardians must be informed and coaches must advise that the athlete seek an evaluation from a licensed healthcare provider. Mental health impacts of a concussion include mood swings, irritability, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal ideation.
“By broadening the scope of concurrent enrollment to include off-campus courses offered by four-year higher ed institutions, more high school students can take advantage of this cost-saving tool,” said Rep. Lesley Smith, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB26-1078. “Our bill expands access to college-level courses to save students money and encourage them to try something new. Colorado’s higher education institutions are top-notch, and this legislation makes it easier for high school students to take advantage of concurrent enrollment.”
HB26-1078 extends concurrent enrollment in Colorado to include off-campus courses offered by higher education institutions. Concurrent enrollment allows high school students to take college-level courses, saving them money and time while accelerating their degree completion. Students can typically earn high school and college credits simultaneously for certain courses.
Under current law, most off-campus courses are excluded from concurrent enrollment programs. This means only high school classrooms meet the concurrent enrollment course requirements. This bill modifies the narrow requirement by allowing higher education institutions to offer off-campus concurrent enrollment courses by following state and federal requirements and accreditation guidelines. Some examples of concurrent enrollment courses include English, history, speech, algebra and biology,
This bill also applies to post-secondary technical and career education courses offered through area technical colleges, which are non-traditional, hands-on courses such as workshops, certificate classes, and skilled trades. HB26-1078 would create stronger career pathways for Colorado high school students by allowing them to explore hands-on and unique educational experiences while still completing their degree requirements.