NCAA GOVERNMENT
RELATIONS REPORT
Executive Summary of Legislative Issues
[See Attachment A for detail of each item.]
1.
State and federal athlete agent act.
a. State activity: To date, sixteen jurisdictions have passed the Uniform Athlete
Agent Act into law. In addition,
at the end of their session in August, the California legislature passed the
model state law, which is currently awaiting signature by Governor Davis. The NCAA government relations’ staff
continues to work closely with member institutions and the National Conference
of Commissioners of Uniform State Laws to maintain a state-by-state strategy.
b. Federal activity: The Sports Agent Responsibility and Trust Act has passed
both the House subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection and the
full Energy and Commerce Committee without any opposition. The bill currently has 116 co-sponsors
and is expected to be introduced in the Senate in early October.
2. Internet gambling. A compromise bill that includes provisions from the two NCAA supported Internet gambling bills has been developed. Both bills had passed out of their respective House committees. Along with several other organizations, the NCAA submitted an additional letter of support this month on the need for such legislation. The full House is expected to consider the bill on October 1.
3. Title IX. To date, the Commission on Opportunity in Athletics has held two town hall meetings. Four additional meetings have been scheduled over the next several months, with two of the meetings including public comment sessions. The deadline for the Commission’s report is January 31, 2003. The NCAA government relations’ staff will continue to closely monitor these sessions, as well as act as an information resource to the Department of Education and Members of Congress with information requests in this area.
4. Controlled substances. The NCAA sent a letter to Members of Congress supporting a request by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency to classify steroid precursors as controlled substances. We have also acted as an information resource for Senator Durbin (D-IL), Chairman of the Government Affairs subcommittee with oversight and interest in these issues. On October 8, the NCAA will participate in a hearing entitled: “Ephedra: Who is protecting American Consumers?”
5. Terrorism insurance. The Association will continue to closely monitor any future activity of the Conference committee, which was named following passage of two different bills in the Senate and the House. Additionally, the Association will continue to be supportive of the large coalition that has been established in support of passage of federal legislation to ensure insurance companies will have the ability to provide coverage.
6. Stadium flyovers. Since the Bush Administration raised the color-coded domestic alert to its second highest level, the government has banned aircraft from flying within 3 miles of any major professional or collegiate sporting event. The FAA rule will be closely monitored.
7. National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges (NASULGC). During August 2002, the NCAA government relations’ staff had the opportunity to present its priority issues to university representatives attending the summer meeting of the NASULGC Council of Governmental Affairs. The NCAA staff continues to work closely with NASULGC and other higher education associations on issues of common interest.