Bill > HB4375

This bill establishes new rules for broadcast coverage of University Interscholastic League (UIL) postseason activities, specifically allowing local broadcasters more flexibility in covering student sports events. The bill defines a "local broadcaster" as a radio or TV station that broadcasts student activities in a local area, including live streaming platforms, and "postseason activity" as UIL-sponsored events after the regular sports season. Under the new law, even if the UIL has an exclusive broadcast agreement with a private entity, a local broadcaster can still provide coverage if they broadcast a majority of the school's regular season activities and agree to certain conditions. The UIL can require local broadcasters to execute an agreement that includes provisions for reasonable compensation, site hosting approval, sponsor limitations, and professional broadcasting standards. The bill prohibits the UIL from executing exclusive postseason broadcast agreements that conflict with these new rules. This legislation will take effect on September 1, 2025, and applies only to broadcast agreements entered into on or after that date, potentially giving local broadcasters more opportunities to cover student athletic events and providing more local media access to high school sports competitions.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4375