NCAA GOVERNMENT RELATIONS REPORT

Executive Summary of Legislative Issues

[See Attachment for detail of each item.]

1. Agenda for the 108^th Congress. When the 108^th Congress convened in early 2003, it faced a change in majority party control, popular concerns regarding an escalating conflict with Iraq and a softening economy. Republicans now have majority control of the Senate and the House. Senator Bill Frist (R-TN) serves as the Majority Leader, while Representative Dennis Hastert (R-IL) serves as Speaker of the House. Several domestic issues likely to receive early attention include an economic stimulus package, healthcare reform, and the promotion of energy independence through alternative fuel sources. NCAA government relations staff will continue to educate Members of Congress regarding the issues set out in this report that have an important impact on student-athletes.

2. State and Federal Regulation of Athlete Agents.

a. State activity: As of the beginning of March, 17 jurisdictions had passed the model act, and 15 additional states legislatures were considering active UAAA legislation. The ?Agents? section of the NCAA Website to reflect the current nationwide status of the UAAA. NCAA government relations? staff will continue to work closely with the National Conference of Commissioners of Uniform State Laws to seek adoption of the Act in all 50 states.

b. Federal activity: Representative Bart Gordon (D-TN) reintroduced the Sports Agent Responsibility and Trust Act (SPARTA) on January 27, 2003. SPARTA, which was initially introduced in the 107^th Congress, passed out of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and currently has 73 cosponsors. The NCAA government relations staff anticipates reintroduction in the Senate in the coming weeks and are optimistic that SPARTA will receive further attention in both chambers.

3. Internet Gambling. Representative Jim Leach (R-IA) reintroduced the Unlawful Internet Gambling Funding Prohibition Act on January 7, 2003. Currently, the bill has 24 cosponsors and is scheduled for a committee markup in the House Financial Services Committee on March 12, 2003.

4. Title IX. On February 26, 2003, after six months of work, the Department of Education?s Commission on Opportunity in Athletics presented its report on suggested reforms to Title IX. The Commission?s proposed recommendations are not binding and Secretary Paige has the authority to determine, which, if any, proposals to consider. Secretary Paige noted that he would only consider those proposals that had unanimous support from the 15 member Commission. Despite the Commission?s efforts, two committee members were dissatisfied with the final report and have submitted their own minority report to Secretary Paige. The NCAA staff will continue to act as an information resource for the Department of Education and Congressional offices concerning Title IX.

5. Controlled Substances. During the 2003 legislative session, Representative John Sweeney (R-NY) and Representative Tom Osborne (R-NE) reintroduced legislation to amend the Controlled Substances Act. The Anabolic Steroid Precursor Control and Health Education Act has been referred to three committees for consideration. These include the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Judiciary and Education and the Workforce. It is expected that the legislation will receive attention early in the 108^th Congress.

6. Stadium Flyovers. Representative Harold Rogers (R-KY), chair of the Appropriations subcommittee on Homeland Security, drafted a provision to the fiscal 2003 omnibus appropriations bill, which bars the Federal Aviation Administration from allowing small planes to tow banners over stadiums for one year, unless the venue owner approves. The NCAA staff will continue to work within the sports coalition and monitor the activity on the flyover issue.

7. Other State Issues.

a. Nebraska: State Senator Ernie Chambers (I) introduced a bill in the unicameral Nebraska legislature to allow the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, to provide stipends to its football players. The bill would only take effect if three other states with schools in the Big 12 Conference passed the law. To date, a bill has recently been introduced in Texas. The bill introduced in Nebraska passed out of the Business and Labor Committee unanimously. It is expected that the bill will be considered by the full legislature in early March.

b. California: State Senator Kevin Murray (D) is planning to hold a committee hearing on April 9 in Sacramento on a variety of student-athlete welfare issues. Senator Murray is Chairman of the Select Committee on Entertainment in the California Senate and represents south central Los Angeles.

c. Delaware: Representative William Oberle (R) introduced a bill during the 2002 legislative sessions, which requested that a study be performed to determine the feasibility of legalizing sports gambling in Delaware. The study which was originally due in mid-January is not expected to be released until April. The NCAA government relations staff will continue to track the progress of this bill and any other related legislation.