With 11 yes votes, a bill banning youth younger than 12 years old from playing on organized tackle football teams passed the House Mental Health Committee on Thursday.
Nine committee members voted against House Bill 4341, which would create the CTE Prevention Act. It says youth under age 12 can participate in all organized sports, except tackle football.
CTE – or chronic traumatic encephalopathy – is a disease linked to repetitive brain trauma, particularly in athletes.
--
How the committee voted
| Member | Party | Residence | Vote |
| Steven Andersson | Republican | Geneva | Yes |
| Deb Conroy | Democrat | Villa Park | Yes |
| Tom Demmer | Republican | Dixon | No |
| Sara Jimenez | Republican | Leland Grove | No |
| Lou Lang | Democrat | Skokie | Yes |
| Natalie Manley | Democrat | Joliet | Yes |
| Charles Meier | Republican | Okawville | No |
| Michelle Mussman | Democrat | Schaumburg | Yes |
| Dave Severin | Republican | Benton | No |
| Juliana Stratton | Democrat | Chicago | Yes |
| Litesa Wallace | Democrat | Rockford | Yes |
| Patricia Bellock | Republican | Hinsdale | Not voting |
| Fred Crespo | Democrat | Hoffman Estates | No |
| Sara Feigenholtz | Democrat | Chicago | Yes |
| Stephanie Kifowit | Democrat | Oswego | No |
| Theresa Mah | Democrat | Chicago | Yes |
| Margo McDermed | Republican | Mokena | No |
| Anna Moeller | Democrat | Elgin | Yes |
| Carol Sente | Democrat | Vernon Hills | Yes |
| Ryan Spain | Republican | Peoria | No |
| Michael Unes | Republican | East Peoria | No |
Alerts Sign-up