HB4252 - Student-Athlete Bill of Rights Act

• Creates the Student-Athlete Bill of Rights Act establishing specific rights for student-athletes at Illinois postsecondary educational institutions, including fair treatment, non-discrimination, and equitable access to equipment, facilities, coaching, medical services, and other athletic resources.

• Requires postsecondary institutions to prepare and post notices detailing student-athlete rights under federal law (Title IX and Jeanne Clery Act) and provide contact information for filing complaints with the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, Department of Human Rights, and Board of Higher Education.

• Prohibits institutions from retaliating against student-athletes for filing complaints about rights violations, testifying in investigations, or opposing suspected violations, with retaliation defined to include reduction or loss of scholarships, stipends, meal benefits, or housing.

• Requires each institution offering athletic programs to hire an independent ombudsperson to provide advice, receive reports of misconduct including hazing and unsafe medical practices, and serve as liaison to the Commission on College Athletics.

• Creates a 9-member Commission on College Athletics appointed by the Governor to monitor athletic programs, protect student-athlete interests, ensure agent accountability, and submit annual reports to the Governor and General Assembly.