Bill > HR4693

This bill seeks to establish collective bargaining rights for college athletes by amending the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). The bill defines college athletes as employees if they receive direct compensation like scholarships and are required to participate in intercollegiate sports. It allows college athletes to form labor organizations and negotiate with their institutions and athletic conferences about working conditions, compensation, and other employment terms. The bill extends the NLRA's coverage to both private and public higher education institutions and enables athletes to create multi-institution bargaining units within athletic conferences. Importantly, the bill includes provisions ensuring that this new employee status does not impact athletes' tax treatment, scholarship status, or eligibility for federal financial aid. The legislation is motivated by findings that college athletes currently face exploitative practices, such as compensation caps and strict control over their labor, by the NCAA and member institutions. By recognizing college athletes as employees, the bill aims to provide them with more equitable rights and protections similar to those enjoyed by professional athletes in other sports leagues, ultimately giving them a meaningful way to advocate for their interests and improve their working conditions.

Education

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4693/all-info