Texas House Bill HB1895

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to scholarship and insurance payments for student athletes at certain public institutions of higher education.

Impact

In addition to scholarship provisions, the bill requires institutions that benefit from media rights revenues—those generating at least $10 million annually—to provide health insurance premiums for student athletes, granted that their household income falls below a defined level set by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Moreover, if an athlete incurs an injury that necessitates ongoing treatment, the athletic program must cover necessary medical costs for the duration of the athlete's enrollment plus an additional two years post-graduation or separation.

Summary

House Bill 1895 focuses on providing enhanced protections and financial support for student athletes at certain public institutions of higher education in Texas. This bill mandates that institutions awarding athletic scholarships must consider the implications of incapacitating injuries suffered by athletes during their participation. Specifically, if an athlete's scholarship is not renewed due to such an injury, the institution is required to provide a scholarship covering tuition and mandatory fees for up to four academic years or until the athlete completes their undergraduate degree.

Conclusion

Overall, HB 1895 represents a significant shift in the way student athletes are supported in Texas, aiming not only to safeguard their educational opportunities after sports-related injuries but also to ensure they have adequate health coverage, aligning institutions' responsibilities with their financial gains from media rights.

Contention

While supporters of HB 1895 argue that it is imperative to protect the welfare of student athletes who contribute significantly to athletic programs' revenues, there remains contention regarding funding sources and the equitable application across various institutions. Critics may express concerns about the financial implications for schools with lower revenue from media rights and stress the need for broader reforms in how student athletes are treated regarding scholarships and benefits.