Our Chicago law firm has learned that the Illinois House of Representatives is considering legislation that would increase awareness of football-related head trauma and provide concussion safeguards for high school student athletes. Bravo to them for trying to pass a long-overdue law.

Former Chicago Bears offensive lineman Kurt Becker urged a House panel yesterday to back the legislation, citing the suicide just days ago of his former teammate Dave Duerson. Prior to his death, Duerson made arrangements to have his brain donated for trauma research with the hope that more can be done to prevent brain injuries, especially among youth.

House Minority Leader Tom Cross sponsored the legislation, which was unanimously passed by the House and is now positioned for a full House vote. The proposed legislation would require all Illinois school boards to adhere to the Illinois High School Association concussion guidelines that affect all high school-sponsored sports. Under the rules, an in-game referee must pull a student from a game if he has concussion symptoms.

We applaud the Illinois House for its swift action, which has demonstrated a clear understanding of how serious concussions can be.