On March 17, 2025, the Minnesota State Legislature introduced Senate Bill 2685, a significant piece of legislation aimed at addressing the financial aftermath of catastrophic injuries sustained by high school athletes during sanctioned sports events. The bill outlines provisions for compensating two specific student athletes who suffered severe injuries in hockey and football games, respectively, and seeks to clarify the financial responsibilities of the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL).

The bill mandates that the MSHSL make payments to the injured athletes—one from a hockey game in 2011 and another from a football game in 2022—covering expenses not addressed by existing catastrophic accident insurance policies or private insurance held by the athletes. This provision is particularly notable as it highlights the ongoing challenges faced by student athletes and their families in securing adequate financial support following serious injuries.

Senate Bill 2685 also includes a tax-related provision, allowing the payments made under this bill to be classified as a subtraction for tax purposes, which could provide some financial relief to the recipients. The effective date for the payment provisions is set for the day following final enactment, while the tax implications will apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, and before January 1, 2027.

Debate surrounding the bill has focused on the implications of providing financial support to injured athletes and the potential precedent it sets for future cases. Advocates argue that the bill is a necessary step in recognizing the risks associated with high school sports and ensuring that athletes receive the support they need. However, some critics express concerns about the financial burden this could place on the MSHSL and the implications for future insurance policies.

The introduction of Senate Bill 2685 underscores the ongoing conversation about athlete safety and the responsibilities of sports organizations in Minnesota. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its outcomes could have lasting effects on how catastrophic injuries in high school sports are managed and compensated in the state.