The College Athlete Right to Organize Act would change federal labor law so that a college student who competes in an intercollegiate sport and receives direct compensation from their school tied to participation in that sport is treated as an employee. The changes would cover public colleges and give the National Labor Relations Board authority over labor matters involving these athletes. Athlete representatives could consent to bargaining units that include multiple schools in an athletic conference. The bill would also bar agreements that waive these rights. It would not change specified tax treatment or eligibility for federal financial assistance. The bill was introduced and referred to a Senate committee; it has not been enacted.
If enacted, qualifying college athletes could seek representation and bargain collectively with their schools. Representatives could agree to negotiate across multiple schools in a conference. The bill would not itself change how specified compensation is treated for taxes or federal student aid.
No publicly available information.
The bill's findings state that collective bargaining could help college athletes negotiate more equitable pay and work conditions, including health and safety protections.
No publicly available information.