Young athletes who suffer concussions would be held out of sports games or practice under a bill that has passed the General Assembly and is on the way to the governor.

The Senate unanimously passed Sen. Ralph Northam's bill Wednesday, a day after it won unanimous approval from the House. Northam is a neurologist who said he has treated many student-athletes who have suffered concussions.

The measure would force coaches to bench players who've had severe blows to the head until they're cleared to return by a medical professional.

It requires school divisions to provide student-athletes with information regarding concussions each year, with the parent or guardian required to sign receipt of the information.

If approved by McDonnell, the law would take effect July 1, 2011.

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