Texas House of Representatives Member Randy Weber Stands up to UIL

[TXMike]

Looks like there are several pieces of legislation that have been filed that might affect us.  Text is not yet available online for all of them  

 HB 1286  Author: Howard, Donna | et al.  
Last Action:  03/08/2011
Caption Version: Introduced
Caption: Relating to adoption of rules by the University Interscholastic League.

By:AAHoward of Travis H.B.ANo.A1286
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to adoption of rules by the University Interscholastic
League.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTIONA1.AASubchapter D, Chapter 33, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 33.0831 to read as follows:
Sec.A33.0831.AAUNIVERSITY INTERSCHOLASTIC LEAGUE RULES:
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT. (a) The legislative council of the
University Interscholastic League may not take final action on a
new or amended rule that would result in additional costs for a
member school unless a fiscal impact statement regarding the rule
has been completed in accordance with this section.
(b)AAFor purposes of Subsection (a), final action by the
legislative council means:
(1)AAsubmitting a rule to school superintendents, if
the submission is required under the legislative council ’s
procedures; or
(2)AAsubmitting a rule approved by the council to the
commissioner for the commissioner ’s approval under Section
33.083(b), if the rule does not require submission to school
superintendents under the legislative council ’s procedures.
(c)AAA fiscal impact statement regarding a rule must include:
(1)AAa projection of the costs to member schools of
complying with the rule during the five-year period following the
effective date of the rule; and
(2)AAan explanation of the methodology used to analyze
the fiscal impact of the rule and determine the costs projection
required by Subdivision (1).
(d)AAIf a fiscal impact statement is prepared for a rule, a
copy of the statement must be attached to the rule when it is
submitted for approval to school superintendents, if applicable,
and when it is submitted to the commissioner for approval.
SECTIONA2.AASection 33.0831, Education Code, as added by
this Act, applies only to a rule on which the legislative council of
the University Interscholastic League takes final action on or
after the effective date of this Act.
SECTIONA3.AAThis Act takes effect September 1, 2011.


 HB 3028  Author: Weber  
Last Action:  03/10/2011 H Filed
Caption Version: Introduced
Caption: Relating to activities by the University Interscholastic League involving sports officials.

(I already posted this one)

 HB 3130  Author: Geren  
Last Action:  03/10/2011 H Filed
Caption Version: Introduced
Caption: Relating to the registration of a referee of certain extracurricular athletic activities sponsored or sanctioned by certain public or private schools; providing penalties.
82R9953 MAW-D


By:  Geren   H.B. No. 3130


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the registration of a referee of certain extracurricular athletic activities sponsored or sanctioned by certain public or private schools; providing penalties.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Subtitle B, Title 13, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Chapter 2053 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 2053.  REFEREES
SUBCHAPTER A.  GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 2053.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "Commission" means the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation.
(2)  "Department" means the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
(3)  "Referee" means a person who:
(A)  is present on the field or court during an athletic or sporting event; and
(B)  exercises supervision over the event and its participants.
Sec. 2053.002.  APPLICABILITY.  This chapter applies only to a referee of an extracurricular athletic activity sponsored or sanctioned by a public or private elementary or secondary school who receives payment for the referee's services from the school, a school district, or an organization that contracts with the school or school district to provide referee services.
Sec. 2053.003.  PREEMPTION.  A political subdivision of this state, the University Interscholastic League, a state agency, or another entity may not adopt a registration requirement for a referee to whom this chapter applies.
[Sections 2053.004-2053.100 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER B.  DEPARTMENT POWERS AND DUTIES
Sec. 2053.101.  GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES.  The department shall administer and enforce this chapter.
Sec. 2053.102.  RULEMAKING AUTHORITY.  The commission shall adopt rules necessary to administer and enforce this chapter.
[Sections 2053.103-2053.200 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER C.  REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
Sec. 2053.201.  REGISTRATION REQUIRED.  A person may not act as a referee of an extracurricular athletic activity sponsored or sanctioned by a public or private elementary or secondary school and held in this state unless the person is an individual who is registered with the department under this chapter.
Sec. 2053.202.  ELIGIBILITY FOR REGISTRATION.  An individual is eligible for registration under this chapter if the individual:
(1)  is at least 18 years of age; and
(2)  satisfies the requirements of this chapter and rules adopted under this chapter.
Sec. 2053.203.  APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS.  An applicant for registration as a referee must apply on a form prescribed by the department and submit a registration fee in the amount set by the commission.
Sec. 2053.204.  TERM OF REGISTRATION.  A certificate of registration issued under this chapter is valid for the period prescribed by the commission.
[Sections 2053.205-2053.300 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER D.  REFUSAL TO REGISTER AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
Sec. 2053.301.  REFUSAL TO REGISTER; SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF REGISTRATION.  The commission may refuse to register or suspend or revoke the certificate of registration of any person for:
(1)  violating this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter; or
(2)  making a substantial misrepresentation in an application for registration.
[Sections 2053.302-2053.400 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER E.  ENFORCEMENT
Sec. 2053.401.  DISCIPLINARY ACTION; ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY.  A person who violates this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter is subject to any action or penalty authorized under Subchapter F or G, Chapter 51.
SECTION 2.  (a)  Not later than December 1, 2011, the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation shall adopt the rules, standards, procedures, and fees necessary to implement Chapter 2053, Occupations Code, as added by this Act.
(b)  Notwithstanding Section 2053.201, Occupations Code, as added by this Act, a referee is not required to register under that section before January 1, 2012.
SECTION 3.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b) of this section, this Act takes effect September 1, 2011.
(b)  Subchapter E, Chapter 2053, Occupations Code, as added by this Act, takes effect January 1, 2012.


 HB 3694  Author: Gallego  
Last Action:  03/11/2011 H Filed
Caption Version: Introduced
Caption: Relating to certain requirements of sports officials by the University Interscholastic League.

(Text is not available yet for this one.   This might be interesting.  Gallego is from Alpine and I suspect most know what that could mean.  If not, look here:  
http://204.65.203.5/public/299568.pdf  
http://204.65.203.5/public/466722.pdf
http://petegallego.com/UserFiles/File/E-Invite%203.pdf


 HB 3709  Author: Hochberg  
Last Action:  03/11/2011 H Filed
Caption Version: Introduced
Caption: Relating to reducing costs in public school extracurricular activities.
(Text not yet available online for this one)

[Arbitrator]

Looks like there are several pieces of legislation that have been filed that might affect us.  Text is not yet available online for all of them  

 HB 1286  Author: Howard, Donna | et al.  
Last Action:  03/08/2011
Caption Version: Introduced
Caption: Relating to adoption of rules by the University Interscholastic League.

By:AAHoward of Travis H.B.ANo.A1286
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to adoption of rules by the University Interscholastic
League.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTIONA1.AASubchapter D, Chapter 33, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 33.0831 to read as follows:
Sec.A33.0831.AAUNIVERSITY INTERSCHOLASTIC LEAGUE RULES:
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT. (a) The legislative council of the
University Interscholastic League may not take final action on a
new or amended rule that would result in additional costs for a
member school unless a fiscal impact statement regarding the rule
has been completed in accordance with this section.
(b)AAFor purposes of Subsection (a), final action by the
legislative council means:
(1)AAsubmitting a rule to school superintendents, if
the submission is required under the legislative council ’s
procedures; or
(2)AAsubmitting a rule approved by the council to the
commissioner for the commissioner ’s approval under Section
33.083(b), if the rule does not require submission to school
superintendents under the legislative council ’s procedures.
(c)AAA fiscal impact statement regarding a rule must include:
(1)AAa projection of the costs to member schools of
complying with the rule during the five-year period following the
effective date of the rule; and
(2)AAan explanation of the methodology used to analyze
the fiscal impact of the rule and determine the costs projection
required by Subdivision (1).
(d)AAIf a fiscal impact statement is prepared for a rule, a
copy of the statement must be attached to the rule when it is
submitted for approval to school superintendents, if applicable,
and when it is submitted to the commissioner for approval.
SECTIONA2.AASection 33.0831, Education Code, as added by
this Act, applies only to a rule on which the legislative council of
the University Interscholastic League takes final action on or
after the effective date of this Act.
SECTIONA3.AAThis Act takes effect September 1, 2011.


 HB 3028  Author: Weber  
Last Action:  03/10/2011 H Filed
Caption Version: Introduced
Caption: Relating to activities by the University Interscholastic League involving sports officials.

(I already posted this one)

 HB 3130  Author: Geren  
Last Action:  03/10/2011 H Filed
Caption Version: Introduced
Caption: Relating to the registration of a referee of certain extracurricular athletic activities sponsored or sanctioned by certain public or private schools; providing penalties.
82R9953 MAW-D


By:  Geren   H.B. No. 3130


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the registration of a referee of certain extracurricular athletic activities sponsored or sanctioned by certain public or private schools; providing penalties.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Subtitle B, Title 13, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Chapter 2053 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 2053.  REFEREES
SUBCHAPTER A.  GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 2053.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "Commission" means the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation.
(2)  "Department" means the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
(3)  "Referee" means a person who:
(A)  is present on the field or court during an athletic or sporting event; and
(B)  exercises supervision over the event and its participants.
Sec. 2053.002.  APPLICABILITY.  This chapter applies only to a referee of an extracurricular athletic activity sponsored or sanctioned by a public or private elementary or secondary school who receives payment for the referee's services from the school, a school district, or an organization that contracts with the school or school district to provide referee services.
Sec. 2053.003.  PREEMPTION.  A political subdivision of this state, the University Interscholastic League, a state agency, or another entity may not adopt a registration requirement for a referee to whom this chapter applies.
[Sections 2053.004-2053.100 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER B.  DEPARTMENT POWERS AND DUTIES
Sec. 2053.101.  GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES.  The department shall administer and enforce this chapter.
Sec. 2053.102.  RULEMAKING AUTHORITY.  The commission shall adopt rules necessary to administer and enforce this chapter.
[Sections 2053.103-2053.200 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER C.  REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
Sec. 2053.201.  REGISTRATION REQUIRED.  A person may not act as a referee of an extracurricular athletic activity sponsored or sanctioned by a public or private elementary or secondary school and held in this state unless the person is an individual who is registered with the department under this chapter.
Sec. 2053.202.  ELIGIBILITY FOR REGISTRATION.  An individual is eligible for registration under this chapter if the individual:
(1)  is at least 18 years of age; and
(2)  satisfies the requirements of this chapter and rules adopted under this chapter.
Sec. 2053.203.  APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS.  An applicant for registration as a referee must apply on a form prescribed by the department and submit a registration fee in the amount set by the commission.
Sec. 2053.204.  TERM OF REGISTRATION.  A certificate of registration issued under this chapter is valid for the period prescribed by the commission.
[Sections 2053.205-2053.300 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER D.  REFUSAL TO REGISTER AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
Sec. 2053.301.  REFUSAL TO REGISTER; SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF REGISTRATION.  The commission may refuse to register or suspend or revoke the certificate of registration of any person for:
(1)  violating this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter; or
(2)  making a substantial misrepresentation in an application for registration.
[Sections 2053.302-2053.400 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER E.  ENFORCEMENT
Sec. 2053.401.  DISCIPLINARY ACTION; ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY.  A person who violates this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter is subject to any action or penalty authorized under Subchapter F or G, Chapter 51.
SECTION 2.  (a)  Not later than December 1, 2011, the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation shall adopt the rules, standards, procedures, and fees necessary to implement Chapter 2053, Occupations Code, as added by this Act.
(b)  Notwithstanding Section 2053.201, Occupations Code, as added by this Act, a referee is not required to register under that section before January 1, 2012.
SECTION 3.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b) of this section, this Act takes effect September 1, 2011.
(b)  Subchapter E, Chapter 2053, Occupations Code, as added by this Act, takes effect January 1, 2012.


 HB 3694  Author: Gallego  
Last Action:  03/11/2011 H Filed
Caption Version: Introduced
Caption: Relating to certain requirements of sports officials by the University Interscholastic League.

(Text is not available yet for this one.   This might be interesting.  Gallego is from Alpine and I suspect most know what that could mean.  If not, look here:  
http://204.65.203.5/public/299568.pdf  
http://204.65.203.5/public/466722.pdf
http://petegallego.com/UserFiles/File/E-Invite%203.pdf


 HB 3709  Author: Hochberg  
Last Action:  03/11/2011 H Filed
Caption Version: Introduced
Caption: Relating to reducing costs in public school extracurricular activities.
(Text not yet available online for this one)

 

According to this proposed legislation, it appears to take the UIL out of the mix, in essence taking it out of the officiating business and making the  Good UIL Dr. justify the existence of the  Dancing Monkey who by this decree would have no officials to govern. With the state governmental shortfall of funds, Good Time Charlie would be hard pressed to even keep him on even in some other official UIL capacity, much less a lot of the other UIL staff.

If this budget shortfall comes to pass, there ought to be a lot more empty offices over there on Manor Road!   

[TXMike]

To clarify, my post included several pieces of legislation that were filed recently and which included generally different factors.  I assume you are referring to the bill related to UIL giving fiscal impact statements?

[Welpe]

A license to officiate? More regulation? 

[TXMike]

In a manner of speaking you have to have one now.  It is either from UIL or TASO. 

[TXMike]

The bill 3694, filed by Rep Gallego, seems pretty mundane:


, Bill Number: TX82RHB 3694                          Filed: 03-11-2011

            Author: Gallego

 
                              A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

  1                                  AN ACT

  2    relating to certain requirements of sports officials by the

  3    University Interscholastic League.

  4          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

  5          SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 33, Education Code, is

  6    amended by adding Section 33.085 to read as follows:

  7          Sec. 33.085. CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS BY INTERSCHOLASTIC

  8    LEAGUES INVOLVING SPORTS OFFICIALS. (a) In this section,

  9    "sports official":

 10                (1) means a person who officiates, judges, or in any

 11    manner enforces contest rules in any official capacity with

 12    respect to an interscholastic, intercollegiate, or other

 13    organized amateur or professional athletic competition; and

 14                (2) includes a referee, umpire, linesman, side judge,

 15    track or field marshal, timekeeper, down marker, or scorekeeper

 16    or any other person involved in supervising competitive play.

 17          (b) CRIMINAL BACKGROUND VERIFICATION REQUIRED. The

 18    University Interscholastic League may refuse to certify a person

 19    as a sports official or may suspend or revoke the certification

 20    of any sports official if the person has been convicted of a

 21    felony or misdemeanor including:

 22                (1) an offense involving moral turpitude;

 23                (2) an offense involving a form of sexual or physical

 24    abuse of a minor or student or other illegal conduct in which



                                         1


  1    the victim is a minor or student;

  2                (3) a felony offense involving the possession,

  3    transfer, sale, or distribution of or conspiracy to possess,

  4    transfer, sell, or distribute a controlled substance, as defined

  5    by Chapter 481, Health and Safety Code, or by 21 U.S.C. Section

  6    801 et seq.;

  7                (4) an offense involving the illegal transfer,

  8    appropriation, or use of school district funds or other district

  9    property; or

 10                (5) an offense involving an attempt by fraudulent or

 11    unauthorized means to obtain or alter a professional certificate

 12    or license issued under this section.

 13          SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it

 14    receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each

 15    house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas

 16    Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary

 17    for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2011.

[Welpe]

In a manner of speaking you have to have one now.  It is either from UIL or TASO. 

Not one issued directly from a state agency and which will no doubt be on top of any membership fees.

[A.D.A. ref]

This one could make things ugly for  a lot of folks but does not seem to understand how UIL and the school districts are related. )


By: Hochberg H.B. No. 3709
 
 
   A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
   AN ACT
   relating to reducing costs in public school  extracurricular 
   activities.
          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
          SECTION 1.  Subchapter D, Chapter 33, Education Code, is 
   amended by adding Section 33.090 to read as follows:
          Sec. 33.090.  COST REDUCTIONS IN EXTRACURRICULAR 
   ACTIVITIES.  (a) The University Interscholastic League shall 
   establish rules and policies to achieve annual savings of at least 
   20 percent in costs expended by school districts for University 
   Interscholastic League athletic programs.  The University 
   Interscholastic League shall implement these rules and policies no 
   later than the start of the 2012-2013 school year and shall continue 
   the rules and policies throughout at least the 2016-2017 school 
   year.  The rules and policies proposed under this section shall be 
   approved by the commissioner prior to implementation by the 
   University Interscholastic League.
          (b)  In approving the rules and policies proposed by the 
   University Interscholastic League under this section, the 
   commissioner shall ensure that the proposed rules and policies will 
   achieve the annual cost savings under Subsection (a) and will 
   distribute cost savings proportionally under Subsection (d).
          (c)  To achieve the annual savings required in Subsection 
   (a), University Interscholastic League may consider the following 
   cost saving measures including, but not limited to:
                (1)  setting limits on the number of coaches and 
   support staff for one or more sports;
                (2)  requiring all coaches who are full-time employees 
   of the school district to teach a minimum of one course each 
   semester from the required curriculum under Section 28.002;
                (3)  reducing the number of games played per season;
                (4)  reducing the number of tournaments played per 
   season;
                (5)  limiting the number of games and tournaments on 
   weekdays;
                (6)  requiring varsity and sub-varsity participants to 
   travel together where schedules permit to reduce school district 
   travel costs;
                (7)  reducing the size of officiating crews;
                (8)  requiring coaches to coach more than one sport;
                (9)  allowing coaches to be employed by the school 
   district on a part-time or voluntary basis; or
                (10)  any other cost saving measure approved by the 
   commissioner.
          (d)  To the extent practicable, the rules and policies 
   implemented under this section shall distribute cost savings 
   proportionally to the cost of each sport.
          (e)  The rules and policies implemented under this section 
   shall not be changed before 2016-2017 unless replaced with similar 
   cost saving measures approved by the commissioner.
          SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.

[TXMike]

Uninformed would be the best description for anyone who proposed or supports this one.  And talk about over reaching!?!?  This is so far outside the legitmate role of state government it will never pass.   

[GAHSUMPIRE]

(1)  "Commission" means the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation.
(2)  "Department" means the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

No offense to you Texans, but is it really necessary to have a Commission and a Department to do the same thing? Couldn't you just combine the two into the Department of Redundancy Department?

[Etref]

(1)  "Commission" means the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation.
(2)  "Department" means the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

No offense to you Texans, but is it really necessary to have a Commission and a Department to do the same thing? Couldn't you just combine the two into the Department of Redundancy Department?

Sorry but that department is extremely busy doing the same thing over and over again.     

[TexDoc]

Uninformed would be the best description for anyone who proposed or supports this one.  And talk about over reaching!?!?  This is so far outside the legitmate role of state government it will never pass.   

Agreed.  They need to leave it to the local ISD's to identify when and where to cut.  This is coming from someone that used to play in band.  You notice they didn't say anything about reducing the number of arts programs that are under the UIL, band, poetry, prose, number sense, debate, etc.  Someone has a hard-on for athletics.

[Arbitrator]

(1)  "Commission" means the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation.
(2)  "Department" means the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

No offense to you Texans, but is it really necessary to have a Commission and a Department to do the same thing? Couldn't you just combine the two into the Department of Redundancy Department?

 

Sorry, but I can't help but think that the UIL has long held the exclusive rights to the moniker "Department of Redundancy Department."   

[UHateMe]

While I am sure the athletic departments cost the ISD's the most money, they also bring in the most. 

Certainly no disrespect but the $5 ticket to see a production of "Mary Poppins", which might be attended by 200 people, fails to meet the income % of any sporting event that charges admission.

However 50%, if not more, of the folks that attend football games are there for the band, cheerleaders, drill team, etc.

[TXMike]

HB 3028 (the bill by Rep Weber that started the thread) has been sent to the Public Education Committee.  Long way to go before it becomes law but it is moving.

[ETXZebra]

Did it go as written or was it amended?

[TXMike]

Not sure but I don't think it can be amended until it is in the committee

[ETXZebra]

Thanks Mike.  I'm not familar how the process works on amending house bills.

[ETXZebra]

Was actually filed March 15 and posted.

[TXMike]

Rep. Gallego's Bill ( HB 3694) is scheduled for public hearing on Apr 12.  

Kind of confusing bill.  It insinuates that criminal background verification is required but does not actually say that it is or how it will be done.  But it does list disqualifying offenses.



By:  Gallego   H.B. No. 3694


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to certain requirements of sports officials by the University Interscholastic League.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Subchapter D, Chapter 33, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 33.085 to read as follows:
Sec. 33.085.  CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS BY INTERSCHOLASTIC LEAGUES INVOLVING SPORTS OFFICIALS. (a) In this section, "sports official":
(1)  means a person who officiates, judges, or in any manner enforces contest rules in any official capacity with respect to an interscholastic, intercollegiate, or other organized amateur or professional athletic competition; and
(2)  includes a referee, umpire, linesman, side judge, track or field marshal, timekeeper, down marker, or scorekeeper or any other person involved in supervising competitive play.
(b)  CRIMINAL BACKGROUND VERIFICATION REQUIRED. The University Interscholastic League may refuse to certify a person as a sports official or may suspend or revoke the certification of any sports official if the person has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor including:
(1)  an offense involving moral turpitude;
(2)  an offense involving a form of sexual or physical abuse of a minor or student or other illegal conduct in which the victim is a minor or student;
(3)  a felony offense involving the possession, transfer, sale, or distribution of or conspiracy to possess, transfer, sell, or distribute a controlled substance, as defined by Chapter 481, Health and Safety Code, or by 21 U.S.C. Section 801 et seq.;
(4)  an offense involving the illegal transfer, appropriation, or use of school district funds or other district property; or
(5)  an offense involving an attempt by fraudulent or unauthorized means to obtain or alter a professional certificate or license issued under this section.
SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2011.

[Etref]

(2)  includes a referee, umpire, linesman, side judge, track or field marshal, timekeeper, down marker, or scorekeeper or any other person involved in supervising competitive play.
(

So according to his bill you can be a back judge and have a criminal record?   

[TXMike]

The back judge is supervising the crew so I guess he is exempted.

[rickref]

The back judge is supervising the crew so I guess he is exempted.

That sounds accurate.

[Welpe]

The back judge is supervising the crew so I guess he is exempted.

True, he does remind me of a TX DOT road supervisor. 

[A.D.A. ref]

By Legislative Construction the including list would not be exhaustive but merely part of what could be grounds for exclusion or suspension. By plain language construction it could be any felony or misdemeanor would allow for revocation or suspension of being allowed to participate. Would be better if did have some exclusion for Class C traffic offenses but this could be found to be a misdemeanor for suspension purposes. Folks at the LEG. always have some idea for a perceived problem but don't think too much about the actual application of their solution till it becomes a problem later.  I am sure this is in response to the sex offender working basketball and they see using broad language as good but don't think about the fine print. I think the idea is good and don't mind  a background check but I can see this being used improvidently in the wrong hands as well.