Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB473

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
4/16/09  
Voted on by Senate
4/22/09  
Out of House Committee
5/7/09  
Voted on by House
5/12/09  
Governor Action
5/23/09  
Bill Becomes Law
 
Enrolled
5/13/09  

Caption

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

Impact

The revenue generated from this fee is designated exclusively for the financing, construction, operation, maintenance, or improvement of athletic facilities or intercollegiate athletic programs at the University. This is a move to enhance the athletic infrastructure and support for student-athletes while ensuring that students bear part of the financial responsibility for these improvements. The revenue limitations and conditions attached to the fee suggest a structured approach to sustainably support the university's athletic ambitions.

Summary

SB473 pertains to the establishment of an intercollegiate athletics fee at the University of North Texas. This legislation permits the Board of Regents of the University of North Texas System to impose a fee of up to $10 per semester credit hour on students enrolled at the university. The fee is applicable for each semester or summer session, and students taking more than 15 semester credit hours will be charged the equivalent of the fee for 15 hours. However, the bill stipulates that the fee can only be implemented after a new football stadium becomes operational, indicating a conditional approach to funding athletic programs.

Contention

A notable aspect of SB473 is the requirement for the fee to be approved through a majority vote among students enrolled at the university. This provision empowers students to have a say in financial matters affecting their education and extracurricular activities, reflecting a commitment to student governance. Additionally, the bill restricts any increase in the fee to be less than 10% without further approval from student elections, which aims to safeguard students from sudden spikes in costs and maintain transparency in fiscal decisions affecting their educational finances.

Companion Bills

TX HB2024

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 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 HR1464

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

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 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 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.

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 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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.