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College Athlete Right to Organize Act

12/30/2022, 5:47 PM

Summary of Bill HR 3895

Bill 117 HR 3895, also known as the College Athlete Right to Organize Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to grant college athletes the right to form labor organizations and collectively bargain with their schools and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

The bill aims to address the issue of college athletes not being able to receive compensation for their athletic abilities, despite generating significant revenue for their schools and the NCAA. By allowing college athletes to organize and negotiate for better working conditions, such as fair compensation, healthcare benefits, and improved safety measures, this bill seeks to empower student-athletes and ensure they are treated fairly.

If passed, the College Athlete Right to Organize Act would mark a significant shift in the landscape of college athletics, giving athletes a voice in decisions that directly impact their lives and well-being. Supporters of the bill argue that it is a necessary step towards ensuring that college athletes are not exploited and are able to benefit from the profits they help generate. Opponents of the bill, however, raise concerns about the potential impact on the amateur status of college athletics and the competitive balance between schools. They argue that allowing college athletes to unionize could lead to a variety of unintended consequences, such as increased costs for schools and potential legal challenges. Overall, the College Athlete Right to Organize Act is a controversial piece of legislation that has sparked debate among lawmakers, college administrators, and sports fans. Its ultimate fate remains uncertain, but it has brought attention to the complex issues surrounding college athletics and the rights of student-athletes.

Congressional Summary of HR 3895

College Athlete Right to Organize Act

This bill establishes collective bargaining rights for college athletes.

Specifically, the bill amends the National Labor Relations Act to (1) define college athlete employee as an employee of an institution of higher education if the individual receives direct compensation from the institution and such compensation requires participation in intercollegiate sports, and (2) include public institutions as employers within the context of intercollegiate sports.

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) must consider the colleges within an athletic conference as part of a bargaining unit with which college athletes can negotiate.

The NLRB shall have jurisdiction over all institutions of higher education within the context of intercollegiate athletics regarding collective bargaining and representation matters and labor disputes.

The bill prohibits any agreements, such as scholarship agreements, that waive the right of athletes to collectively bargain.

Current Status of Bill HR 3895

Bill HR 3895 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since June 15, 2021. Bill HR 3895 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on June 15, 2021.  Bill HR 3895's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor. as of June 15, 2021

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 3895

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
6
Democrat Cosponsors
6
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 3895

Primary Policy Focus

Labor and Employment

Potential Impact Areas

- Athletes
- Employment discrimination and employee rights
- Higher education
- Labor-management relations
- National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)
- School athletics
- Sports and Recreation
- Student aid and college costs

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 3895

College Athlete Right to Organize Act
To establish collective bargaining rights for college athletes, and for other purposes.
College Athlete Right to Organize Act

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