Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB2547

Introduced
2/1/21  
Refer
2/2/21  
Refer
2/22/21  

Caption

Schools; requiring media timeouts at high school sporting events which are being broadcast; effective date.

Impact

The passage of HB2547 is expected to standardize the media timeout procedures across high school sporting events in Oklahoma, which could enhance the experience for broadcasters and potentially improve viewership. By implementing these timeouts, the bill aims to ensure that media outlets have sufficient time to broadcast commercials or engage with audiences during local high school competitions. This could lead to increased funding opportunities for schools through advertising, which may benefit sports programs financially.

Summary

House Bill 2547 mandates the implementation of scheduled media timeouts during high school sporting events that are being broadcasted. The bill stipulates that there must be at least four media timeouts of two minutes each from the beginning to the end of the game. These timeouts are exclusive of the halftime break and are meant to facilitate media coverage of the event. Additionally, the bill prescribes that all official or team timeouts should be a minimum of one minute, allowing adequate time for media breaks. The responsibility for enforcing these regulations falls upon school athletic associations, ensuring a structured approach to media coverage during high school sports events.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB2547 appears to be largely positive among proponents who believe that the bill will enhance the quality of broadcasts and provide necessary funding for athletic departments. Many see it as a progressive move that acknowledges the importance of media in promoting high school sports. However, there may be some concern regarding the management of the timeouts and how they could affect the flow of the game, with critics arguing it could lead to interruptions that detract from the spectators' experience.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB2547 include the potential for disruptions to standard game play due to mandated media timeouts, with some arguing that interruptions may compromise the integrity of the game. Moreover, there could be logistical challenges for schools and athletic associations in implementing these regulations, particularly concerning scheduling and operational functions at the event level. The balance between enhancing media coverage and maintaining an engaging audience experience poses an ongoing discussion among stakeholders in the high school sports community.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK HB1732

School athletics; declaring right of schools to broadcast certain games; effective date; emergency.

OK SB800

Schools; requiring certain school personnel to complete certain training. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB1921

Schools; requiring certain school personnel to complete certain training; requiring public schools to develop a cardiac emergency response plan. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB302

School athletics; providing visiting high school athletic teams certain rights. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB1081

Schools; creating the Right to Recess Act; requiring schools to provide a minimum amount of daily recess time for students; effective date; emergency.

OK HB2386

Schools; creating the Oklahoma Schools Act of 2021; effective date.

OK HB3047

School recess; creating the Active Oklahoma Kids Act; requiring schools to provide a minimum amount of daily recess time for certain students; effective date; emergency.

OK HB1385

Broadcast rights in school sports.

OK SB1386

Schools; requiring public high schools to make a family and consumer science course or equivalent available in certain school year. Effective date.

OK HB3545

Charter schools; creating the Statewide Charter School Board; effective dates; emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.