Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB2024

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to an intercollegiate athletics fee at the University of North Texas.

Impact

The enactment of HB 2024 is expected to have significant implications for student financing at UNT. Revenue generated from this fee will be earmarked exclusively for athletics, suggesting a potential increase in the quality and availability of athletic services and facilities. However, it will also represent an additional expense for students, which may be a point of concern for many, especially those already managing tuition and other fees.

Summary

House Bill 2024 introduces an intercollegiate athletics fee specifically for students enrolled at the University of North Texas (UNT). The bill authorizes the board of regents of the UNT System to charge a fee not exceeding $10 per semester credit hour for each semester or summer session. This provision is intended to generate revenue dedicated to financing, constructing, operating, maintaining, or improving athletic facilities and programs at the university. Importantly, the fee can only be implemented after a new football stadium becomes available for use at UNT.

Contention

A notable aspect of HB 2024 is its requirement for student approval. The bill stipulates that the fee must be authorized by a majority vote of enrolled students through a general election. This provision emphasizes a democratic approach to implementing the fee, allowing students to have a say in financial decisions that directly affect them. Furthermore, the legislation includes safeguards against arbitrary increases in the fee, as any increase above 10% must also be approved by student vote, promoting transparency and accountability in the management of funds.

Implementation

Should this bill pass, it would not only introduce a new financial mechanism for funding athletics at UNT but also establish a precedent for how student fees are determined and approved at state universities in Texas. Effective immediately upon receiving the necessary votes for immediate effect, or by September 1, 2009, if not, the bill highlights the ongoing discussions surrounding funding for intercollegiate athletics and the responsibilities institutions hold in managing student finances.

Companion Bills

TX SB473

Identical Relating to an intercollegiate athletics fee at the University of North Texas.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1912

Relating to student buildings fees at The University of Texas at Dallas.

TX SB696

Relating to student buildings fees at The University of Texas at Dallas.

TX HR1464

Congratulating the University of North Texas polo club on winning the 2023 USPA Division I Men's National Intercollegiate Championship.

TX HB2804

Relating to use of the name, image, or likeness of a student athlete participating in an intercollegiate athletic program at an institution of higher education.

TX SB1784

Relating to use of the name, image, or likeness of a student athlete participating in an intercollegiate athletic program at an institution of higher education.

TX HB1802

Relating to the compensation and professional representation of certain students participating in University Interscholastic League activities or in intercollegiate athletic programs at certain institutions of higher education.

TX SB971

Relating to the compensation and professional representation of certain students participating in University Interscholastic League activities or in intercollegiate athletic programs at certain institutions of higher education.

TX SB1055

Relating to the creation of a new university in Nacogdoches, Texas, within The University of Texas System and the allocation of the annual constitutional appropriation to certain agencies and institutions of higher education; abolishing Stephen F. Austin State University.

TX HB2639

Relating to the creation of a new university in Nacogdoches, Texas, within The University of Texas System and the allocation of the annual constitutional appropriation to certain agencies and institutions of higher education; abolishing Stephen F. Austin State University.

TX HB2445

Relating to an exemption from or refund of tuition and fees for certain lower-division students enrolled at Texas Southern University or Prairie View A&M University.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.