2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26105333D

HOUSE BILL NO. 1503

Offered January 23, 2026

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 22.1-271.11, relating to high school athletic coaches; sickle cell trait training.

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Patron—Hayes

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Referred to Committee on Education

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 22.1-271.11 as follows:

§ 22.1-271.11. High school athletic coaches; sickle cell trait training.

Each local school division shall require all high school athletic coaches to complete, prior to coaching any sport and at least every two years thereafter, an online or in-person course of instruction regarding sickle cell trait approved by the Board of Education in collaboration with the Department of Health. Approved training programs shall address (i) information on sickle cell trait and who it affects; (ii) risk factors of sickle cell trait during athletic activity; (iii) warning signs of complications from sickle cell trait; (iv) emergency response protocols; and (v) complication prevention strategies for students with sickle cell trait.