California proposal to ban youth tackle football clears first legislative hurdle

By ADAM BEAM and OLGA R. RODRIGUEZ
Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California lawmakers are debating a ban on tackle football for children under 12 to reduce the risk of brain injuries under a bill that has cleared a key legislative hurdle. A legislative committee voted 5 to 2 during a public hearing Wednesday to advance the bill authored by Democratic Assemblymember Kevin McCarty. But the measure is a long way from passing. It must clear the state Assembly by the end of January to have a chance of becoming law this year. Advocates say the bill will protect kids from the risk of brain damage, but coaches and other football advocates say the ban would cut off kids from an important source of physical activity.