Panel backs bill allowing coaches limited personal spending for student needs

The Student Academic Success Subcommittee voted to report favorably HB 1253, a bill that would allow employed coaches to use personal funds in good faith to address athletes’ welfare needs, with limits and guardrails.

Sponsor Representative LaMarca said the measure addresses situations where students lack resources for food, transportation or physical rehabilitation after injury. The bill sets a per-team annual cap of $15,000 and the sponsor offered an amendment to clarify that only school-employed coaches may use the funds, to include all state athletic associations in the bill’s scope, to define a school year, and to narrow rehabilitation to physical rehabilitation. The amendment was adopted by voice vote.

Members voiced broad support and shared personal stories about coaches’ roles as mentors. Several members noted concerns about potential misuse for recruitment; sponsors said the amendment’s employee requirement and the ‘‘in good faith’’ language provide guardrails. Ranking Member Anton and Vice Chair Bankson both praised the bill’s intent and supported the amendment.

The committee returned a recorded favorable report (14 yeas, 0 nays).

The bill now moves to subsequent committees for further consideration.