The new law is named after "Rocky" Clark who died in 2012 after injuries from a high school football game in 2000 that left him paralyzed. The legislation requires that schools have a minimum policy covering $3 million in benefits or five years of coverage. The measure was sponsored by Senator Napolean Harris, a former NFL player:
"When student athletes sacrifice their bodies, schools make money. [Schools] fill up stands with parents and neighborhoods. Communities comes together each and every Friday night, or whenever the games are being played. This measure, just to make sure that student athletes are protected, is great." - Illinois Senator Napolean Harris
Officials estimate the cost will not exceed $5 per athlete each year. The new law also allows public elementary and middle school districts to provide accident and health insurance coverage for students. It takes effect January 1, 2014.