politics | February 08, 2026

Who is Natasha Helmick?

Who is Natasha Helmick?

The bill was named “Natasha’s Law” for Natasha Helmick, a young Texas female star soccer player, who suffered repeated concussions on the field and ultimately gave up the game and her dream of playing on the USA Olympic Team due to her injuries.

What did Natasha’s law do?

The legislature passed the bill, also known as Natasha’s Law, and Gov. The new law requires school districts to create concussion oversight teams that must include at least one physician and to establish return-to-play protocols that involve evaluation of the athlete by a physician.

When was Natasha’s law Texas passed?

The law became effective in May when it passed both houses of the Texas Legislature by at least two-thirds vote in the House (127 to 7) and in the Senate (31-0). Governor Perry signed the law on June 17, 2011.

How concussions affect athletes?

Sports-related concussions often result in mental and physical symptoms (e.g., inability to concentrate, forgetfulness, headache, fatigue, dizziness). For many athletes, the symptoms disappear after about 10 days, and they typically do not last more than several months.

How is Natasha’s law implemented?

Under Natasha’s Law, you must list all the ingredients on individual packaging of products that are considered pre-packed for direct sale (PPDS). Products made at a customer’s request do not need to carry an allergen label, but this information must be available to customers if they ask for it.

Why is it called Natasha’s law?

Natasha’s Law is named after Natasha Ednan-Laperouse who, at the age of 15, passed away due to a severe allergic reaction. Natasha had a sesame allergy and was not made aware that sesame seeds had been baked into the bread of a sandwich she had purchased.

Why is it called Natasha’s Law?

How many NFL players suffered from CTE before dying?

A new list released in November 2016 mentions CTE in 90 of 94 brains of former and deceased NFL players. In July 2017, a new study showed that 110 of 111 brains examined showed signs of CTE.

How many football players get concussions a year?

In the NFL, there are ~140 concussions reported each season, and it is estimated that at least one player on a team suffers a concussion every five games (Casson et al., 2010).

What happens if you don’t follow Natasha’s law?

Once Natasha’s Law becomes a legal requirement, businesses that do not comply will also face fines and other legal punishments alongside potential reputational damage. If a health inspector sees any issues with the solution you’ve put in place, you may face fines of up to £5,000 per instance of non-compliance.

What does Natasha’s law cover?

Natasha’s Law comes into effect on 1st October 2001. It will require all food outlets to provide full ingredient lists with clear allergen labelling on Pre Packed for Direct Sale foods (PPDS). PPDS is food that is prepared, prepacked and offered or sold to consumers on the same premises.