US House Of Representatives Passes Bill To Protect Young Athletes From Abuse Monday Jan 29,2018

Legislation to protect young amateur athletes from sexual abuse moved a step closer to enactment on Monday Jan 29,2018 when the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill in the wake of a scandal involving a former U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) doctor.

The House voted 406-3 for the bill that would take several steps toward shielding athletes from abuses such as those suffered by scores of female gymnasts in the United States over many years.

Last week, former USOC doctor Larry Nassar was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing female athletes.

Nassar last November pleaded guilty to 10 counts of first-degree sexual assault.

A similar version of the legislation passed the Senate last November. But minor changes made by the House require a second Senate vote on passage before it can become law