A bill to help prevent student athletes who suffer concussion from suffering long term damage easily passes the state house.

The bill requires schools adopt policies to recognize when a player may have suffered a concussion and immediately remove them from play. A doctor's approval would then be required for them to return to play.  

Schools would also have to provide parents with information on what a concussion looks like.

“From seven to 19 years old… is a critical time when the brain is actually forming and when you have a concussion at that age without recognizing it, and you end up with a second hit or a second concussion, those devastating effects can last for years to come or forever,” says bill sponsor Rep. Jimmy Pruett (R-Eastman).

Rep. Demetrius Douglas (D-Stockbridge) played college football and says he knows firsthand the importance of recognizing such an injury.

“As a player you want to stay on the field, and sometimes I’ve been knocked out couldn’t see the sideline… I had a concussion and didn’t know it,” he said in his speech from the floor of the House.

The NFL has been involved in the process and Falcons players testified at a public hearing on the issue last year.