HF2923

Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to provide catastrophic accident insurance for students involved in high school league-sponsored extracurricular athletic activities, ensuring long-term coverage for severe injuries and financial support for affected students.

Main Provisions

• Catastrophic Accident Insurance Requirement: The Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) must secure an insurance policy providing at least $10 million in lifetime coverage per catastrophic injury for students involved in extracurricular sports.
• Coverage Details: The policy should cover a wide range of needs such as medical care, personal care, medication, vehicles, and wheelchairs. It must also ensure that claims recommended by the student's healthcare provider cannot be denied.
• Eligible Participants: Coverage is extended to student athletes, managers, trainers, and cheerleaders involved in interscholastic competition and related activities, including those in the ninth grade.

Significant Changes

• Catastrophic Injury Payments: The MSHSL is obligated to make final payments to two former student athletes who suffered catastrophic injuries in past league-sponsored events. These payments address expenses not covered by existing insurance policies.
• Income Subtraction: The bill introduces a provision that allows the amounts of these catastrophic injury payments to be subtracted from taxable income as defined under Minnesota statutes.

Relevant Terms

catastrophic accident insurance, Minnesota State High School League, student athletes, extracurricular activities, insurance policy, lifetime coverage, medical care, interscholastic competition, catastrophic injury payments, income subtraction.