Governor Nikki Haley participated in a ceremonial bill signing today for H.3061, the Student Athletes Concussion bill. H.3061 works to advance the identification and treatment of concussions in student athletes, focusing on concussion awareness
and prevention.

“As a governor I fully support this legislation, but as a mother with a son who plays basketball and a daughter who is a cheerleader, this bill is personally important to me,” said Gov. Nikki Haley. “It tells me as a mother what to watch out for and more importantly, I know that if there is an injury, the school and coaches are going to know what to do – that the school district has a plan in place. This is about quality of life for our kids and I am proud to be part of it.”

The governor was joined by representatives from the South Carolina Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children, Brain Injury Association of South Carolina, South Carolina Athletic Trainers’ Association, Clemson University, University of South Carolina, Carolina Panthers, and athletic directors, principals, coaches and student athletes from around the state.

“Protecting our youth is critical to preserving our society and I am thankful that my colleagues supported this legislation to enhance the safety of our student athletes,” said State Representative Peter McCoy. “I am proud that we did this without costing the taxpayers additional money through the use of existing research and communication means.”

“The player safety initiative is important to the National Football League on every level and in passing the student athletes bill, the state of South Carolina is taking an important step in the prevention and treatment of concussions that occur in student athletes,” said Jerry Richardson, owner and founder of the Carolina Panthers. “We applaud the leadership of Governor Haley and the legislature in better protecting the young athletes of South Carolina.”