Texas House Bill HB2941

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 3/10/11
• Refer: 3/17/11

Caption

Relating to the intercollegiate athletics fee at Prairie View A&M University.

Impact

The bill's amendment has notable implications for students and university operations alike. By permitting an increase of up to five percent in the fee with majority approval from student government, it empowers student governance in decisions that affect their financial responsibilities. This level of control is designed to ensure that students have a voice in how funding for athletics is managed, which is crucial for maintaining transparency and accountability within the university's administrative processes.

Summary

House Bill 2941 addresses the intercollegiate athletics fee imposed at Prairie View A&M University. The bill amends existing sections of the Education Code to allow the university's board of regents to set the fee at a maximum of $12.60 per semester credit hour. This fee is applicable to all enrolled students and aims to generate funding specifically for the intercollegiate athletics program at the institution. The legislation marks a significant change in the funding structure for athletics at the university, which serves a large population of underrepresented students.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 2941 appears to lean towards support among stakeholders involved in the university's athletics programs. Proponents are likely to view this bill as a step towards enhancing the university's athletic offerings and ensuring sustainable funding mechanisms. However, there may be dissenting opinions from students who feel that any increase in fees adds to their financial burden, highlighting a concern about affordability in higher education.

Contention

Some points of contention exist regarding the implications of increasing the intercollegiate athletics fee. While supporters assert that enhanced funding will lead to better resources and more competitive athletic programs, critics may argue that increasing fees without adequate justification could disproportionately affect low-income students. The bill's provision for student approval before fee increases is a crucial aspect designed to mitigate these concerns and ensure that the student body has agency over such financial decisions.