Collegiate athletes: Student Athlete Bill of Rights.

Existing law provides for a system of postsecondary education in this state. This system includes as segments the University of California, administered by the Regents of the University of California, the California State University, administered by the Trustees of the California State University, and independent institutions of higher education. Existing law further provides for a Student Athlete Bill of Rights that applies to campuses of these segments that maintain intercollegiate athletic programs. This bill would add to the Student Athlete Bill of Rights (1) provisions authorizing institutions of higher education to establish a degree completion fund, in accordance with applicable rules and bylaws of the governing body of the institution and applicable rules and bylaws of any athletic association, as defined, of which the institution is a member, (2) provisions requiring institutions of higher education to prepare notices detailing specified rights of student athletes and contact information for filing complaints under the Student Athlete Bill of Rights, and (3) provisions prohibiting institutions of higher education from intentionally retaliating, as defined, against a student athlete for any of the following actions with respect to student athlete rights granted under any applicable statute, regulation, or policy: making or filing a complaint, in good faith, about a violation; testifying or otherwise assisting in any investigation into violations; or opposing any practices that the student athlete, in good faith, believes are a violation. The bill would not restrict the authority of an institution of higher education to impose interim measures or, upon a finding of responsibility, permanent consequences on a student athlete who has been accused of sexual harassment or violence.