DALLAS (February 5, 2013)—State Rep. Eddie Lucio III, D-Brownsville, who wants to make concussion screenings as routine as physicals in Texas public school athletics, is taking direct aim at football in a bill that would limit high school teams to one full-contact practice per week.
The Brownsville Democrat admits the plan is a little shy on details, including what qualifies as such a workout, but said he plans to discuss the bill with the Texas High School Coaches Association.
For the second straight legislative session, Lucio has filed a bill requiring cognitive tests that could be used to determine an athlete's return from a concussion.
One athletic trainer says most big districts already conduct the tests.
Lucio said the costs associated with the bill could make passage difficult.