89th Texas Legislature bills could impact sports [Video]

The Texas Legislature’s 89th session begins in Austin on Tuesday and while issues like school vouchers and the border will take centerstage, 13 bills have already been filed by lawmakers that could impact sports in the Lone Star State.

Most of the bills are in relation to the University Interscholastic League (UIL), which governs public high school sports in Texas.

State Sen. Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown), who represents the Bryan-College Station area, filed S.B. 551, which is aimed at allowing cities to go through a competitive bidding process for hosting the UIL’s athletic, academic, and music state competitions.

Most of the UIL’s state competitions have been held in the same location for a number of years. Many are held in the Austin area, such as the state cross country and track meets, state baseball, soccer and softball tournaments, and the state academic meet, which is where the UIL is headquartered. Schwertner’s …