Reps. Juliana Stratton, Sara Feigenholtz and Theresa Mah – all Democrats from Chicago – voted in favor of a bill banning youth younger than 12 from playing tackle football on an organized team.
The bill passed the House Mental Health Committee on March 1 with 11 "yes" votes, nine "no" votes and one not voting.
House Bill 4341, which would create the CTE Prevention Act, 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.
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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 |